HOW DO WE WIN?!

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)

We have so many 'witnesses' that have gone on before us. So many men 
and women of faith (Hebrews 11) that are the examples the Lord has 
given us to follow. We are to lay aside every weight. Now, what are 
these weights? They are the things that bring about stress and worries. 
They are the things Jesus wants to carry for us! We also need to lay 
aside our sin. Sin is inevitable. Even the lives of the very witnesses 
spoken of in Hebrews 11 are fraught with sins and the remorse of sin! 
Even though we cannot be perfect of ourselves, we must lay aside our 
wants and desires and choose to follow the Lord (Romans 6:15). This is 
a hard thing to do, but we must run with patience. 

Jesus has given each of us a race to run. Each of our races are 
different, this means that we cannot compare our race with others. At 
times, our race is difficult. We become tired and worn out, but then 
God reminds us of how much we need Him! We are not running alone! We 
have the Creator of the world running beside us and He is willing to 
carry us when we cannot go on! In order to run and run well, we need to 
fix our eyes on Jesus. 

There are so many things that can take our gaze off Jesus! People. 
Circumstances. Difficult struggles. Self-pity. But as Peter learned, it 
is when you take you eyes off Jesus that you sink! In all that we do, 
no matter the circumstances, we need to keep our eyes focused on Him 
for He knows all things (Proverbs 4:25-27)! If we fix our eyes on 
Jesus, our paths are made straight. 

Jesus has endured the cross for us! We are the joy set before Him! He 
went through so much pain and shame, for us! Think about it, Jesus, the 
SON of GOD came to EARTH as a MAN and was crucified as a CRIMINAL!! 
What a humbling experience! We often do not recognize how much shame He 
went through for us! But now! Now He is seated at God's right hand! And 
He continually intercedes on our behalf!