Hope in the Finish Line
Day 5, Week 3 - Consider
Hebrews 12:1-3 (ESV)
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. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV)
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
Revelation 21:1-4 (ESV)
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.
Every race has a finish line. But when life feels like an uphill battle with no end in sight, it’s easy to lose hope. Hebrews 12:3 invites us to “consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” This verse isn’t just about endurance. It’s about shifting our perspective. When you remember the finish line, you can keep going. And for believers, the finish line is more glorious than we can imagine.
Jesus endured the cross with the finish line in mind. Hebrews 12:2 tells us He endured “for the joy that was set before him.” What was that joy? It was the glory of accomplishing the Father’s plan. It was the redemption of sinners. And it was the hope of eternity where God’s people would be with Him forever. Jesus looked beyond the agony of the cross to the joy of the resurrection and the eternal reward that awaited. His focus on the finish line gave Him the strength to endure the suffering.
This same truth applies to us. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” Think about that. The pain you’re experiencing now, as real as it feels, is temporary. It’s light and momentary compared to the eternal glory God has promised.
But what exactly is that finish line? Revelation 21:4 gives us a glimpse: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” The finish line is the place where Jesus makes everything new. It’s the place where all your struggles, all your heartaches, and all your pain are replaced with perfect joy in the presence of God.
When you fix your eyes on the finish line, your perspective shifts. The hardships you face now don’t disappear, but they gain purpose. They remind you that this race isn’t the end. Jesus has already won the victory, and He’s waiting for you at the finish line. Your pain is not meaningless, and your struggle is not wasted. Every step is leading you closer to the moment when you will see Him face to face.
Today, let the hope of the finish line renew your strength. Remember that the race is hard, but the reward is eternal. Jesus endured for the joy set before Him, and He invites you to do the same. Fix your eyes on Him, and keep running. The finish line is worth it.
Reflect: How often do you think about the eternal reward waiting for you? How does focusing on the finish line change how you handle your current struggles?
Pray: Jesus, thank You for enduring the cross and showing me what it means to fix my eyes on eternity. Help me to remember that my struggles are temporary and that Your promises are eternal. Give me the strength to keep running with hope in my heart.
Act: Take time today to meditate on Revelation 21:1-4. Imagine what it will be like to cross the finish line and be in the presence of God. Let that vision fill you with renewed strength and purpose for the race ahead.
