Hebrews 12:1-2
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, 2 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.
Recovery is not easy. It requires focus and perseverance. We need to "lay aside every weight" (verse 1) that hinders our healing and purity. This means making our purity a priority, and removing or avoiding temptation that "clings so closely" (verse 1). For example, we may need to avoid going certain places or watching certain movies, TV, or internet sites. We are to "run with endurance the race that is set before us" (verse 1); this is not a short sprint, but is a long marathon, and will require endurance and diligence along the way. But notice too the encouragement in this verse, about being "surrounded by so great a great cloud of witnesses" (verse 1). We are not in this alone, and others have persevered through much greater difficulties than we face. They persevered by "looking to Jesus" (verse 2) rather than focusing on the temptations of this world. We can learn from Jesus, who "endured the cross" (verse 2) "for the joy that was set before him" (verse 2). The motivation that enabled Jesus to endure hardship, and that will enable us to overcome temptation, is to focus on the joy of something better, of God and His kingdom.
Heavenly Father, help me to consistently fix my eyes on Jesus.
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, 2 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.
Recovery is not easy. It requires focus and perseverance. We need to "lay aside every weight" (verse 1) that hinders our healing and purity. This means making our purity a priority, and removing or avoiding temptation that "clings so closely" (verse 1). For example, we may need to avoid going certain places or watching certain movies, TV, or internet sites. We are to "run with endurance the race that is set before us" (verse 1); this is not a short sprint, but is a long marathon, and will require endurance and diligence along the way. But notice too the encouragement in this verse, about being "surrounded by so great a great cloud of witnesses" (verse 1). We are not in this alone, and others have persevered through much greater difficulties than we face. They persevered by "looking to Jesus" (verse 2) rather than focusing on the temptations of this world. We can learn from Jesus, who "endured the cross" (verse 2) "for the joy that was set before him" (verse 2). The motivation that enabled Jesus to endure hardship, and that will enable us to overcome temptation, is to focus on the joy of something better, of God and His kingdom.
Heavenly Father, help me to consistently fix my eyes on Jesus.