Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1 ESVAs the treadmill stepped up to another difficulty level, it became more and more difficult to keep up with it. Every three minutes it increased the incline and speed until I was literally running uphill. I had monitors taped all over me and the hospital staff was closely watching a computer screen with little jagged lines that scrolled by while it recorded my progress.
Before I started, I had asked them if there was a time limit or a difficulty goal and they said just run until you cannot run anymore. When I asked about a level cap, they just smiled and said no one beats the machine. After four or five increases, I totally agreed and finally told them that I could not go on. At that point it was more like torture than a stress test. They began to slow the treadmill where I could get off but that took a little while. (For those wondering, they said I did excellent).
When walking with God there are times when we will endure a stress test. Jesus Himself did because it was written that he endured the cross and His sweat was as great drops of blood (Luke 22:44). During these times, there is a great cloud of witnesses watching us take this test and no matter how much faith you have, God has a test for that level. At a point in my life, I thought that I had great faith but God had a great test for it. In the end, I was a broken man. No one beats the machine because it scales accordingly. If you disagree, read the book of Job again and picture yourself in his place.
God knows how much you can take and He is not out to kill you. When you have finally reached your limit He will slow the treadmill. Like me though, you may find that you can go much further than you thought you could and you will be stronger in the end.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me grace and strength to serve you with all of my heart. Help me face the challenges that come with the right attitude, in the name of Jesus I pray.Note: 'Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.' (2 Philippians 4:6-7) ~ If you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page:
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Amen!!
Amen
Amen! Thank You Lord!
Amen thank you Father
Amen. These stressful days will end. This too shall pass. My faith and trust in Jesus will be stronger, each day. Amen
I was reminded of "Facing the Giants" with the big scene of the football player being blindfolded and ended up crawling with a guy on his back the whole length of the football field. We won't know what we are truly capable unless we TRY (Totally Rely on Yahweh). I'm also facing the start of my ministry. I don't think I'm quite ready yet, but my hubby's future employer's wife decided G.A.N.G. (God's Amazing Never-ending Grace) Ministries was something to invest in. She has already bought a building. The major focus is going to be on mentoring. Especially the youth.
Amen, Praise God
Dear Jesus, thank you for always being with me during good, bad and extreme turbulence! I pray that we get through this pandemic and that we continue to look to you and pray that no matter what you will guide us through. Without you I am nothing, I cannot and will not move forward without you in my life! I am blessed and thankful for the sacrifice you made for me at the Cross! In your most precious name I pray, Amen!!
I need your strength to face the challenges, Lord. Amen!
Jesus,please give us strength to face our challenges and live our lives for your glory. Amen
Dear Father for everything You do with our lives we thank You, give us the strength to make it to the finish line. We humbly ask You to protect us from what is happening in the world and particularly in our country, in the name of Your Son Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank You Lord for Your blessings.
Dear Pastor we thank you and Sylvia for all your support during these hard times, God bless you both.
Stay with us always dearest God. Praise God Amen
In Jesus name Amen.
What a great way of seeing it. Thank you Pastor for your encouragement. I have had a stress test, and you are right on.
Amen
Amen
Good one PAstor..
Thanks and God bless
Amen!!! Dear Pastor Dion, I have a question in regards to the above scripture passage "Hebrews 12:1": It is my understanding that "....... Cloud of witnesses......." means that we are surrounded by our loved ones that have gone on before us in the saving faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, including all the many saints of the Old and New Testament times such as Noah, Moses, Elijah, etc., and the Apostles, and so many more! Am I correct???
Amen!
Yes, amen Lord
Amen! Thank you Lord ♥️
HALLELUJAH