Overcome Weariness in the Trials of Life a 4-Day Devotional by Melanie NorrisSample

Keep Your Eyes on the Lord

During our time together, we have learned that to overcome weariness in our trials, we must connect with the Lord, submit to Him, and wait on Him. As we take up Jesus' yoke, submit to His ways, and trust His sovereignty, He does a transformational work in our hearts that matures us into the people He desires us to be.

Truth be told, though, it's not always easy to stay the course. We may do well for a while, but as the heat intensifies and our prayers continue to go unanswered, we revert to a state of weariness. Why is that? Why do we go through cycles in the waiting? Because we lose focus! Instead of continuing to process our trials through the lens of scripture, we go back to viewing them from our finite, human perspective.

However, Hebrews 12:1b-2a (CSB) encourages us to "run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer, and perfecter of our faith." According to these verses, there is a specific way we should run - with endurance, which means "the race" will take some time and feel unpleasant.

Yet, it assures us that we will endure and not grow weary if we keep our eyes on Jesus, the One who started and will complete our faith. He is our ultimate example of how to endure well.

Before He was betrayed and arrested, Jesus had a moment where He did not want to go through with the plan for salvation. In Luke 22:42 (CSB), He prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me—nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done." If there were another way to save the world, He would prefer that instead. But in submission, He yielded His will to the Father's, and as Hebrews 12:2b says, "For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Jesus chose to focus on the result of His suffering and death - the joy set before Him, which was the salvation of our souls. He knew that He had to go through it so that He could save whoever was willing to accept Him. If we want to endure our trials, we have to adjust our focus.

Whether you like it or not, your trial has a purpose. You may not know the reason, but you can trust that it will result in God's glory and your good (Romans 8:28-30). As long as you keep your eyes on Jesus, you can endure to the end (Hebrews 12:3). You may have moments of weakness, but follow the example of Jesus and yield to the Father's will. He will give you the strength you need to endure.

Don't give up! There is a prize waiting on you!

"Blessed is the one who endures trials because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." - James 1:12 (CSB)

Will you adjust your focus and look to Jesus so you can endure your trial to the end?

Ask yourself
- What distractions or sins are hindering me from persevering in my faith?
- What practices can I implement to help me consistently keep my eyes on Jesus (e.g., daily time in His Word, regular prayer, accountability friendships, etc.)?

Respond in Prayer

Father in Heaven, thank you for Jesus and the way He persevered through suffering on our behalf. I confess that I sometimes allow distractions and sin to hinder me from running my race with endurance. By Your grace, show me practical ways I can commit to focusing my eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of my faith. I know that if I keep my eyes on Him, I will endure this trial to the end with joy. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

We hope this devotional has inspired you to connect more deeply with the Lord in your trials. For more encouragement, community, and resources to help you seek after the Lord in your difficulties, visit Melanie's website at https://hesakeeper.com/.