We’ve got your daily encouragement, written by Jadi Rodriquez.
Bible Reading:
Hebrews 12:1-11 ESV
“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. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.
For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.”
It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
Word:
Today we’re going to be doing a FAITH + FITNESS Workout. We publish these twice a month and they are designed to help strengthen you body, mind, and spirit.
When you think about quoted scriptures for faith and sport, few scriptures are more often used than Hebrews 12:1.
“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.”
There is 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, 2 Timothy 2:5, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 1 Timothy 4:8, and others. I hope one day I get the privilege of fleshing out with you some of these in our Faith and Fitness WOD. But since October’s theme of the month is endurance, let’s dig into Hebrews 12:1 together.
I imagine this verse is often used when we talk sport because of the Word’s reference to an actual race. But did you know the Greek word for race is ἀγῶνα? It’s pronounced agōna in English. And it is where we get the word “agony” from…
Click here to read the rest of the FAITH + FITNESS Workout.
Prayer:
Father, I want to live the life you have before me well. Not focused on making it easier, but focused on how I can better serve and glorify you in it. It’s in your name that we pray, amen.
Skillwork:
Spend time journaling and reflecting on these questions:
- What was the workout like for you? Did God reveal anything to you while you did it?
- Do you fall into the trap of thinking life should be easier because you’re a Christian? Do you ever battle anger or resentment towards God when things are harder than you want them to be?
- What ways were you challenged by in today’s message?
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