“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

To be completely honest, when I opened up my devotional today and saw this verse, my initial thought was this: I've already read this countless times; there's nothing for God to show me here. I was completely wrong. Yes, I have read this passage of scripture multiple times, but today God spoke to me in an amazing way because I kept my heart open and available to His teaching.

Living life as a Christian, we are bound to be persecuted for what we believe, but not all of us will “run with endurance.” I’m guilty of it in my own life by slacking off and not living up to what I’ve been called to do as a child of God, but what about when I do live my life glorifying Him? When I’m protecting my purity and being conscious of how I dress so that I’m representing God with respect, it’s difficult. As easy as it could be to abandon who I am in Christ for the things of this world, I absolutely refuse because I know my treasures are stored up in HEAVEN, not on this earth. I’m going to keep my eyes on Jesus, my Savior, my Redeemer.

So why can’t I endure the hardships that come with living for God when Jesus endured the cross with joy? I’ll repeat that. Jesus endured the cross with a joyful heart. Wow. There is a huge difference between experiencing happiness and experiencing joy. Happiness is a superficial, outward feeling that is temporary; however, joy is experienced internally and it’s everlasting. Jesus Christ had an everlasting JOY as he died on the cross for us.

God. is. so. good.