Hebrews 12: 2-3 NIV- ‘fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.’
Maybe someone’s told you to ‘man-up’ or even ‘woman up.’ Maybe you’ve told yourself that. About 5 minutes into following that advice you realize it’s not that simple. Sheer will isn’t enough. How about a perspective change?
The bible is full of examples of God responding to his children with a change of perspective rather than a fix in the situation. I know sometimes when we are going through hard times (an understatement for some of us) a change of perspective is the last thing we want to hear, but please give it a try.
Don’t just hear the Word, meditate on it. Don’t turn your head up at anything said, exalt it above your opinion and feelings. This is not to disregard your pain, but it’s to encourage and comfort you that your Father would never allow it to be for nothing, that there is purpose and joy waiting on the other side. So, here is the change of perspective. Listen close.
Jesus endured the cross because He looked to the joy beyond it. The joy was us, our reunion with the Father. He believed the joy of our redemption was better than the pain.
Can you imagine nails being pressed into your hands or a crown of thorns being shoved on your head? Yet Jesus was able to endure it all by focusing on what it would produce. Jesus thought beyond the moment he was living in.
If we are His followers doesn’t it make sense that we take up His perspective? Like Jesus let’s take a moment to think beyond the moment you are living in right now. Fix your eyes on the harvest of peace and righteousness that your circumstances will produce (Hebrews 12:11). Your character, your faith, and your joy and peace (which these trials will perfect) can’t be taken away by anyone or anything.
Have you ever considered why women continue to have children despite the pain of childbirth? The pain they endure during labor is nothing compared to the joy their baby brings!! In fact, the joy is so great that many women don’t remember the pain. (John 16:21)
Also consider Paul. He called our hardships as believers ‘light and momentary’ although some were in fact facing physical death for spreading the gospel (2 Corinthians 4:17). Perspective is essential to enduring. How do you think people endure the pain of training their bodies? They’re focused on how they will look as a result of the pain.
If we look to the joy beyond our cross it doesn’t mean the pain disappears, but we’ll be able to endure it with newfound drive.
What is the joy beyond the cross for you in this season? Ask the Father to show you His perspective.
PRAYER: Thank you Lord for your word to me today. You are the Author and Finisher of my faith. Please give me the grace to fix my eyes on you always. Because you endured Lord, I will endure. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.