God's Glory Church

“Let us run with patience to the fight that is before us.” — Hebrews 12:1

It was impossible to watch my friend Iryna’s social network status update without tears. In February 2022, just days after fleeing Kyiv, the besieged capital of Ukraine, she posted one of her old photos of herself raising her country’s flag after participating in a running competition. “All of us are running the marathon called life to the best of our abilities. Let’s run it even better these days. With something that will never die in our hearts,” she wrote. In the following days, I watched my friend continue her run. She regularly posted messages asking for prayer and help for the suffering citizens of her country.

Irina’s words gave a new depth in my eyes to the biblical call to patiently go through the struggle “that is before us” (Heb. 12:1). This call follows the description in the eleventh chapter of the “cloud of witnesses” – numerous heroes of faith who remained faithful to the Lord, despite the risk to their own lives (Heb. 11:33-38). And although they only “saw” God’s promises from afar (v. 13), their lives were dedicated to the eternal – which will never die.

All believers in Christ are called to live with the same attitude. Because shalom – peace and prosperity – the Kingdom of God is worth giving up everything for. And also because we have the example of Christ and His strength that supports us (Heb. 12:2-3).

What examples of bold faith have you seen? How does the example of Jesus Christ give you hope?

God, I am at a loss for words when I see the faith and courage of Your children in desperate circumstances. Give me the courage to follow You just as faithfully.

Author: Monica La Rose