Growing Weary and How to Stay Strong
“. . . 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: 2.
What to do When I’m Growing Weary
This chapter in Hebrews encourages believers to persevere in their faith by looking to Jesus’ example of endurance. And by accepting God’s discipline as a sign of love. To read the passage for context, click here.
This verse (12) contains the secret of endurance in our crosses, or tests, or wilderness experiences. Jesus endured “for the joy that was set before him“. And this is also how we do it.
It’s the hope or joy that God sets before us in His glorious promises to us that enable us to persevere in our trials.
The Israelites: Primer on Growing Weary
The Israelites would’ve been able to withstand their wilderness experience if they would’ve believed His precious and magnificent promise (2 Peter 1: 4). You know, the one about a land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3: 17).
It would’ve given them the hope and joy necessary to make it through the hunger and thirst, the hot dry sands and winds. And the general vicissitudes of a nomadic existence.
It would’ve enabled them to say “this isn’t easy, I have unmet needs and I’m in pain. But I know we’re being tested and humbled so he may do good for us in the end” (Deuteronomy 8: 16).
If they would’ve only believed the humbling was for the purpose of future exaltation. Then they would’ve had what they needed to carry them through.
How to Please God
“Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11: 6). Without faith, we will not have the hope and joy to endure out trials. And if we don’t do that, we won’t become “perfect and complete, lacking in nothing“(James 1: 2-4).
And it’s our wholeness or maturity that pleases God in the end. To read another post related Growing Weary and How to Stay Strong to see Temptation to Sin: Friend or Foe?