Run with Perseverance

Everyday disciples of Jesus are running a marathon. They follow Jesus until the end. Finishing the discipleship marathon well involves patience and perseverance. This Plan explores how to overcome some of the barriers to finishing well and how to keep going, anticipating the great reward in store for you.

Please note that this Plan offers more than a daily reflection on Scripture. It is designed to forge everyday disciples who are aware of God’s presence and hear God’s voice throughout the day. Please try to build the lunchtime meditations and evening reflections into your routine, as well as the morning devotions. Before each session, pause to be aware of God’s love and presence.

MORNING

Read Hebrews 12:1-3

Devotion

Christians dropping out of the discipleship “race” is not a new issue. Scholars estimate that there were 7,000 to 10,000 Christians in the Roman empire by AD100. With at least 500 followers of Jesus after the resurrection (1 Cor. 15:6), another 3,000 added to their number at Pentecost (Acts 2:41), and lots of evangelism as recorded in Acts, 10,000 Christians seems like a relatively small number after 70 years of gospel preaching. There must have been many Christian converts who got entangled in sin (12:1) or grew weary and lost heart (12:3). Sadly, many didn’t make it to the finish line.

The solution in this Scripture is to focus on the example of the many who have persevered (“a great crowd of witnesses” - see Heb. 11) and especially to “fix our eyes on Jesus” (12:2) who faithfully continued through all His challenges and suffering to His ascension and enthronement. A great cloud of witnesses has confronted what you are facing, and they staunchly endured. Jesus himself faced the shame and pain of crucifixion, and He persevered. Don’t focus on the deserters; but look to the finishers and be encouraged and inspired by their endurance. With Jesus, you will complete your race well. Persevere.

You’re getting tired. Persevere. You’re feeling overwhelmed by the pressure. Persevere. You’re struggling with sin. Repent and persevere. You’re facing failure and criticism. Persevere. You feel inadequate. Persevere. God seems distant. Persevere. You’re growing weary. Persevere. Fix your eyes on Jesus and persevere. True disciples of Jesus finish the race.

Prayer

Sometimes it’s hard work being Your disciple, Jesus. I desperately want to follow You well, but there are many challenges, disappointments and temptations. However, I know that You (and many others) faced all these things and continued to obey and serve God to the end. So I’m not giving up. Please help me to keep my eyes on You and to persevere.

Today’s Bible Focus

“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.”

LUNCHTIME (or when you can make a moment during the day)

1. Meditate for a short time on today’s Bible Focus. Let it seep into your heart.

2. Look and see what is happening around you from God’s perspective and listen to see whether God is whispering anything to you.

3. Pray for any not-yet Christians God has placed on your heart.

EVENING

1. Remember: Repeat today’s Bible Focus.

2. Reflect: Reflect on the day and thank God for what He has said and done.

3. Repent: Check where you have neglected or disobeyed God during the day and ask for forgiveness and freedom.

4. Release: Name any concerns or fears on your mind and release them to Jesus.