Jesus Transforms Weariness

Mar 11

Day 4, 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.

Isaiah 40:28-31 (ESV)

Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
    his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
    and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Even youths shall faint and be weary,
    and young men shall fall exhausted;
but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
    they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
    they shall walk and not faint.

Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Have you ever felt so exhausted that you didn’t think you could keep going? Maybe it’s not just physical exhaustion, but emotional, mental, or even spiritual weariness that makes you want to stop running the race. Hebrews 12:3 speaks directly to this struggle: “Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” This isn’t just a command. It’s a remedy. The remedy for your weariness is found in Jesus.

Think about what the writer of Hebrews is asking you to do: Consider Jesus. Reflect on Him. Fix your mind and heart on what He endured. Jesus knows exactly what it feels like to be weary. He knows what it’s like to feel the crushing weight of hardship, the sting of rejection, and the overwhelming demands of life. He faced all of that and more, yet He endured. He didn’t endure just to show you how strong He was. He endured so that you would never have to run your race alone. So you could keep going.

Isaiah 40:29-31 reminds us of the strength God gives: “He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength…they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles.” This is what Jesus offers. He doesn’t just understand your weariness. He transforms it. When you feel like you can’t take another step, He invites you to come to Him, to find rest in His presence, and to rely on His strength instead of your own.

Jesus Himself extends this invitation in Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” This isn’t an empty promise. It’s the voice of the One who bore your burdens on the cross, who carried the weight of your sin so that you could experience freedom. Jesus doesn’t just tell you to suck it up and keep running. He invites you to let Him carry what you can’t.

When you’re weary, it’s easy to focus on the weight of the race. The obstacles seem insurmountable, and the finish line feels too far away. But Hebrews 12:3 calls you to lift your eyes. When you consider Jesus—when you think deeply about His endurance, His sacrifice, and His love—you’re reminded that He is with you in your weariness. He doesn’t just watch you run. He strengthens you for the journey.

Today, whatever is weighing you down, bring it to Jesus. Let Him carry your burdens. Reflect on His endurance, and let His strength renew yours. The race is hard, but you don’t have to run it alone. Jesus promises to be with you every step of the way.

Reflect: What burdens are you carrying today? How does remembering Jesus’ endurance give you strength to keep going?

Pray: Jesus, I am so tired. Sometimes the race feels too hard, and I feel like giving up. Thank You for understanding my weariness and for offering me Your strength. Help me to rely on You and not on my own ability to endure.

Act: Take five minutes today to list the things that are weighing you down. Bring each one to Jesus in prayer, asking Him to carry what you can’t. Trust that He is strong enough to give you the rest and renewal you need.