A Boost Of Courage

Hebrews 12:1-11

God Disciplines His Sons
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

4In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:
"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."[a]

7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Reflection of Bee:

Christian life is liken unto the athletic life, as running in a spiritual race. As they run, there are many distractions and hindrances to stop them from finishing the race or doing their best (v1). In order to run well, they need to throw away all weights. Not only that, they need to fix their eyes on the finishing line, for Christian it is Jesus (v2). They also need to go through vigorous training and discipline in order to do well (v6,10).


Dear Lord,
Thank you for reminding me to be disciple and not to allow anything to hinder me from my spiritual race. I pray that I will always fix my eyes up Jesus so that I will not lose focus or lose heart in what You want me to do. In all I do, may I bring glory to Your name.

I also pray for my friend, Tommy, that You will heal him from his sickness and guide him to serve in the right ministry You want him to serve. may Your peace be his guiding light.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.