How can we "consider Him" to endure our personal struggles and challenges? Taking Hebrews 12:3 to Heart “Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:3) What “Consider” Means • Give sustained, thoughtful attention—linger on the details of Jesus’ life and cross. • Make comparisons—measure every hardship against His greater suffering. • Draw conclusions—if He endured and triumphed, His power in us guarantees we can press on (Philippians 4:13). Why Looking at Jesus Strengthens Us • He fully understands: “For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses” (Hebrews 4:15). • He modeled obedience under pressure: “He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—yes, death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). • His victory is our assurance: “In Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Practical Ways to Keep Jesus in Clear View • Daily Gospel reading—walk through a short passage on His passion each morning (e.g., Matthew 26–27; John 18–19). • Memorize anchor verses—Hebrews 12:3; Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24; recite them when trials intensify. • Worship through song—choose hymns and modern songs that highlight the cross (“When I Survey,” “Man of Sorrows,” etc.). • Visual reminders—place a simple cross or Scripture card where your eyes fall often. • Testimony sharing—tell others how Christ carried you yesterday; their stories will bolster you tomorrow (Revelation 12:11). Reframing Our Struggles in Light of His • Suffering now is “momentary and light” compared with “an eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17). • Opposition is not evidence of abandonment; it is a pathway to deeper fellowship with Him (Philippians 3:10). • Every hardship trains us, just as a loving Father disciplines His children (Hebrews 12:5-11). Step-by-Step Endurance Plan 1. Start the day with Hebrews 12:3—read it aloud, emphasizing “Consider Him.” 2. Pray, “Lord, open my eyes to Your endurance; share Your strength with me.” 3. List today’s anticipated challenges; place them under His greater victory. 4. Pause at midday to re-read a passion verse; breathe a brief thanks for His faithfulness. 5. Close the day recounting one instance where fixing your eyes on Jesus kept you from “growing weary.” Additional Verses to Fuel Perseverance • Romans 8:18—our present sufferings vs. future glory. • Matthew 11:28-30—His yoke is easy; His burden light. • 2 Timothy 2:3—share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ. Endurance Recap By deliberately setting our minds on Christ—His sufferings, His obedience, His triumph—we exchange discouragement for confidence. Each fresh view of the cross supplies fresh stamina for today’s race. |
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