A Reason Big Enough
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”Hebrews 12:1–2 (KJV)
Picture someone who has wanted to attempt a huge physical challenge for years but never started. Then a family they know goes through a tragedy, and they decide to do the challenge to raise money for them. Suddenly they have a reason big enough to carry them through the hard hours.
Discipline is easier when the why is bigger than the pain. Willpower runs out. Love keeps going.
Hebrews tells us how Jesus endured the hardest thing anyone has ever done: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame.” The joy set before him was bigger than the cross.
If you keep quitting on something good, it may not be a willpower problem. You may need a bigger why. Look to Jesus, and look at the people you are doing it for.
Read it yourself
Read Hebrews 12:1–3. What does the writer tell us to lay aside, and why?
What good thing do you keep quitting on? What bigger reason could carry you through it?
Lord Jesus, you endured the cross for the joy set before you. Give me a reason big enough to keep going. Amen.