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 12:1-2, ESV
This Sunday (Mother’s Day, ironically), I arrived at church feeling exhausted. Overwhelmed. Frustrated. Tired. Angry. I hadn’t gotten enough sleep over the weekend due to a huge yard sale, and the day wasn’t going the way I imagined it should. I was short-tempered with my children, and nothing like the mother I want to be.
The verse above was the main focus of my pastor’s Mother’s Day sermon, and it was just what I needed to hear. For whatever reason I’ve never thought about the above verses in relation to parenting, but I find them so appropriate. I need endurance for this race! And the only way I’m getting through is if I set my eyes on Jesus.
I love the fact that Jesus is the perfecter of our faith. It brings tears to my eyes, it overwhelms me so. He perfects my faith. Praise God! How much I need that, in my sinful, selfish mess.
What joy we have before us, too! To stand before Him one day, and hear Him say that we were good stewards of the sweet blessings entrusted to us. To hear Him say that He saw it when we made diaper changing, children bathing, nursing sessions, cuddle fests, mopping floors, and yes, even laundry worship because we did it all for His glory,.. Unspeakable joy.
I fail every day. I need His forgiveness every moment. I’ve asked my children repeatedly to forgive me for focusing on myself instead of on Christ. I pray that I will make all the daily acts worship, and that they will see that I loved them and my Savior enough to allow Him to use them to sanctify me. I want to cast aside all the weights and sins that drag me down (my own selfish desires) and run with endurance!
Do you ever feel discouraged as a parent? What verses bring you comfort and inspire you to “run with endurance”?
