ReaD Hebrews 12
A few years ago, I decided to train for a triathlon after a long season of chronic pain and fatigue. Training came with blood, sweat, and a lot of tears, but as I neared the end of the race, I was overwhelmed remembering everything I had overcome to get there. I felt God’s presence with me—strengthening me and cheering me on. I drew courage from the determination and encouragement of my fellow triathletes and had the joy of encouraging them as well. When I finally crossed the finish line, I collapsed in a heap of joy and tears as my family and friends surrounded and celebrated with me. It was a beautiful moment of redemption and overwhelming joy.
Since then, God has continued to heal my body and transform my heart in remarkable ways. Yet even as I celebrate those victories, I still face daily challenges with ongoing chronic health issues. Disappointment, discouragement, and loneliness remain familiar companions. My tears flow freely as I wrestle with God: How long, O Lord? Where are you? Why me? How do I move forward? How will you use this?
But in the midst of my wrestling, He meets me. He reminds me of His promises and draws me deeper into His love.
The passage in Hebrews encourages me to trust the Father’s love—to “endure hardship as discipline” (v. 7),because it “produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (v. 11).Even when it doesn’t feel like it, our trials are a gift from God. They reveal that our good Father cares deeply about our future, is intimately involved in every detail of our lives, and uses every hardship to shape us and prepare us for life with Him forever.
How incredible will it be when we finally cross the finish line of life and fall into the arms of our Savior—the One who has gone before us? Jesus endured a brutal race on our behalf, joining us in our tears, yet He trusted the promises of His Father and kept His eyes on the “joy set before Him.” Through His suffering came life, victory, and glory—for Him, and salvation for us.
For Reflection:
- Who has encouraged you in your spiritual “race,” and how have they made a difference? How can we be people who encourage others in their struggles?
- Hebrews 12 suggests that hardship can shape us for good. How does hardship in our lives point us to God’s love for us?
By Miranda Hesketh
