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Written by Larry Ollison

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Heb. 12:1-2).

Jesus endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him. He endured the pressures and temptations of this life and did not waver in pressing toward the goal because He could see the prize. The prize was the joy of the Lord. The prize was worth the pressing.

Ephesians 5:1 tells us that we are to be like God. Yes, it is true that the devil was cast down because he tried to rise up and be like God (Isa. 14). However, God did not intend for him to be like the Most High. On the other hand, God created mankind and His desire is for His creation to be like Him.

God wants us to love like He loves. God wants us to walk in faith because He is a faith God. And if we are going to be like Him, we must have the attributes of Jesus and Jesus pressed toward the goal without wavering.

As Christians, we must view the prize placed before us as a finish line that we are racing toward. We must see the glorious joy before us and we cannot allow anything to slow us down.

So the next time you feel there is a cross you must bear, cast aside the weight and run the race with endurance looking toward Jesus Who is the Author and Finisher of your faith.

Larry Ollison Ministries
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