Wednesday 18 Jun 2014

June 18: Hebrews 12:1-2

Key Verse: Hebrews 12:1
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Devotion:
We don’t often get to see the surrounding of one army by another on the hillside like history books tell us happened, but if you can imagine what it would be like going into a battle alone as compared to going into a battle alongside thousands of others people we will use that vision here. Going to battle alone would not be very encouraging as we looked out over the field at our enemy; we would feel totally lost and weak at the knees!

But, as bad as it is good, being with thousands of other people getting ready to rush against an enemy would give you more strength and encouragement to fight the fight. I personally would not like it, but I know people do find great strength in knowing they have a great army with them. When we go out to face people who we know are going to be against us (because Christ has warned us it will not be easy work) then we are going to find it very hard if we think we go alone, but much easier knowing we have a great army with us.

We actually do have a great army with us when we step forward to take the Gospel message out to others. We may feel like we are alone as we face up to what seems like giants, but we have many people, prayer warriors, angels and God with us! We may think we face unequal numbers but that is only because we have not sat down to see who is with us, we are only focusing on who is against us!

If we only use our blinkered eyes we will only see the enemy before us. It is when we take off those blinkers and look around us we see an army of people willing and able to battle with us. Not all will have the same ways as us. Not all will have the same strength. Not all will fight like us. Not all will look like they are supporting us… But we have an army coming out with us and Christ is the head of that army!
 
Points to Ponder:
Do you feel like you are alone?

Have you taken your blinkers off lately?