Think of all the hostility He endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.

Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭3‬ NLT

There are some days that just get the best of us.

The moment our feet hit the floor, it’s an uphill kind-of-day. The “trust and obey” is more like trials and obstacles. We struggle in finding the determination and discipline to “delight ourselves in The Lord.” (Ps 37:4)

It feels like the steamroller of discouragement, despair and defeat is ready to flatten the “desires of our heart.”

We’re weary and worn out.

Fatigued and frustrated.

Tired and . . . just really tired.

It’s supposed to be better than this. Do you remember the song, “everyday with Jesus, sweeter than the day before”? What happened?

The writer of Hebrews understood the exhaustion of engulfing expectations. The recipients of his letter were waiting for hope, for change and for relief. They were looking for the immediate, while God wanted them to focus on the eternal. The author wrote of flawed men and women who by faith forged ahead, never receiving the prize, but resting in the promise.

He instructed them . . . and us . . . to keep “looking to Jesus” as the Creator and Completer of faith . . . a faith fueled by “joy”, pushing forward to finishing the work. (Heb 11:2). These “followers of faith” and the “Founder of our Faith” provide encouragement and an example for us to endure.

Examine.

The passage motivates us to consider or “analyze” Jesus. We are to peel back the layers of His courage and confidence to see His conviction and commitment. We often compare ourselves to other people, while God wants us to consider His purpose. We look at His attitude as well as His accomplishments. He lived for the joy that was set before Him. Jesus exhibited joy while experiencing the junk of the day. The psalmist reminds us, “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” (Ps 126:3 NIV)

Embrace.

It’s been said, “To compare is not to prove.” We often compare our struggles with others and find ourselves short on grace and hope. We are reminded to not only look on Jesus, but to lean “into” Him. Once we examine His efforts, we embrace His enthusiam. Paul said, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (‭Heb‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬ NIV)

Endure.

Theologian and author, Eugene Peterson wrote, “A common but futile strategy for achieving joy is trying to eliminate things that hurt: to get rid of pain by numbing the nerve ends, getting rid of insecurity by eliminating risk, or getting rid of disappointment by depersonalizing your relationships.” Our endurance occurs when we embrace our struggles, not escape. When we grab on instead of give up. The psalmist encouraged, “Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!” (‭Ps‬ ‭126‬:‭5‬ ESV). This becomes our “nose to the grindstone” effort. Paul confessed, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 3:14 ESV)

Our endurance only comes after we examine and embrace Him.

Consider Him . . .

Confidence in Him . . .

Commit to Him.

Think Jesus . . . Don’t Quit . . . It’s Not An Option.