Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – November 24, 2014
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:3
There are times I feel like giving up. I’m tempted to give up on people and lose hope in the middle of a stressful situation. A person who did not follow through with a commitment gives me pause. Should I give up on them or give them a second chance? Grace and forgiveness offer second chances. My work environment is hard and unrewarding. I feel alone and unappreciated. Should I stay the course or look for another job? When my motivation is spiritual in nature, I am focused to endure when others exit. Persevering faith never gives up, but always gives in to God’s will.
Jesus faced fierce opposition from cynical critics. He was unfairly labeled an enemy of the political and religious authorities. He was falsely accused and suffered under an unjust legal system. Our Lord and Savior survived physical pain, public humiliation and betrayal from those who had followed Him when the times were good. Jesus even felt distance from His heavenly Father when the crushing weight of mankind’s sin was heaped on Him on the cross. However, His love endured. Christ never gave up for the greater good of His sacrifice for sin’s forgiveness.
“He [God] made Him [Jesus] who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21, NASB).
Are you tired? Do you feel like giving up? If so, fix your eyes on Jesus. See His great love for you and let go of any person who causes you pain. Consider the pain Christ went through for you and ask Him to heal your heart by His grace and mercy. Pray to the One who brings you wholeness, so you can pray for the one who breaks your heart. Never give up on God for He has your best interest in mind. Mind your business and trust Him to take care of business. You can give up on someone only after your heavenly Father gives up on them. Love never gives up!
Most of all, stay true to God’s call to love and be loved. The more we empty ourselves, the more God’s love fills our souls. The Lord always loves. To love is to give. By God’s mercy we love by giving an agitator the benefit of the doubt. We love people to the point of their potential, not where they are stuck at the point of their sin. Never give up on others—trust the Spirit is growing them into who He created. We never give up because Jesus never gave up!
“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 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” (Hebrews 12:2).
Related Readings: 2 Corinthians 4:1; Galatians 6:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:13; Revelation 2:3
Post/Tweet today: Pray to the One who brings you wholeness, so you can pray for the one who breaks your heart. #wisdomhunters
Additional Resource: 2 minute video- Never Give Up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5iEhd-hW_k
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Dear Virginia~
Thank you for taking the time to reach out to us with your comments regarding the devotionals. We appreciate your commitment to us and letting us know that we may have made some grammatical mistakes. I have to confess, after reading over the devotional, I am having a hard time finding the errors. If you have a moment, could you let me know specifically where the errors are in the devotional? Thank you so much. My email address is Gwynne@wisdomhunters.com.
In the meantime, I hope you are being blessed by the devotionals. We are so thankful that you are a fellow wisdom hunter.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne