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If I could summarize this verse in three words I would use these words, DO YOUR BEST! The writer to the Hebrews reminds them and us of the many people that have gone before us that have been victorious in their faith. These bastions of the faith were by no means perfect. They were murderers, they were adulterers, they were thieves, they were liars, they were guilty of every imaginable sin possible. They are honored not because they are perfect, but because they knew where to go for forgiveness and for strength to carry-on in spite of their faults. We have Jesus and the Holy Spirit to help cleanse us and help us move forward. The word picture the writer uses is out of the ancient Greek games in which athletes would strip and be completely naked when they ran races in order that nothing will hold them back that is what we are to do with God. Get rid of everything so that we can be pure before Jesus. God never promised us that we will win every race we run. But he will help us to get back up and try again when we falter! Run hard! Run with endurance! Trust him for the results. Just do your best with his help and his Spirit within you.
“And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life.” Revelation 21:6
“It is finished.” Those words bring a variety of emotions. If you’ve been working on a project it brings the satisfaction of victory over all the frustrations it took to get to the point where all your efforts see a great result. Sometimes, the phrase “It is finished” can bring pain and anguish, such as when a relationship ends, a career suddenly is taken from you or a loved one passes away. But when Jesus says “It is finished”, it says completeness. All the sorrows you’ve endured? Relief! All the fear and anxiety you harbor? Comfort! The pain of broken relationships? Healed! The frustration of addiction? Release! You’re anger over unfair treatment? Satisfied! The result is like a cool fountain of spring water that cools, refreshes, satisfies and strengthens. One day our victory will be revealed because in Jesus it is already finished!
“How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.” James 4:14
I remember staying overnight at my grandparents cabin. Quite often fog covered the lake in the morning and you couldn’t see much past the front steps. But soon the sun rose and the fog disappeared. Then it was forgotten and we went about our day without giving the fog a thought. Fog is a lot like our daily struggles. Very real when we are in the midst of them but quite often the worries we struggle with today are forgotten tomorrow. Struggles, like fog in the morning, cloud our view but when the sun (SON) enters we can enjoy life! Remember, Hod is in control no matter what men may do here on earth. His plan WILL succeed!
Mike Fisk & Built with Grace 