Hebrews 12:12-17 pt 1 {Lesson 12/Day 5}

I don’t think it’s possible to read – really read – the Bible and miss the idea that this life as a true believer is not easy. It’s not easy as it is in life in general, but, add to that the higher calling of life in Christ and you would have to be some kind of special to miss the reality that when you choose this life, you choose to enter a race that will necessarily be difficult. Think of just a few of the words of Jesus himself talking to his disciples and by extension, us: trial, tribulation, temptation, persecution, poor in spirit, mourning, being reviled, mocked, scorned...shall I go on? With that being said, I’d like to suggest that if you are not experiencing at least moments of one of the above, you’re doing it wrong. If you’re complaining, or shocked, or troubled, or doubting all this (the Christian life), you’ve missed the big picture. If you’re weary, feeling the pain and pinch and discomfort of discipline you should have a big fat smile of thankfulness and satisfaction on your face. God is at work in you. Better that He was than He wasn’t, right? So, what now? Mope? Be discouraged? Give up? Walk away? No! The author of Hebrews is saying, lift those hands up! Praise Him! Straighten those knees and get to work on that path – not only for your own feet but for the feet of those who are coming along with you! Fix your eyes on the holiness of God, and let’s put our backs into this and stop acting like the tough times are the exception – they’re the rule, my friend! We should... raise up holy hands To praise the Holy One Who was and is and is to come! Set our heart and mind on Him who will sustain us and look around to encourage and clear the path for our brothers and sisters so we can be in this together.