Good morning. The author now mentions several people who were terribly mistreated and yet all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they should not be made perfect. They endured a lot, but did not give up – they kept the faith. So what should we do? Since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. The cloud of witnesses were able to do it, and so should we. They could have given in to the pressure, but they resisted. Too many times we look at the things entangling our feet. Instead we are to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Instead of fixing our eyes on the problems, we should fix our eyes on Jesus. He endured a lot; but He kept His eyes on God. He suffered a lot of pain and could have given up; but He knew there was tremendous joy ahead if He endured. Father thank You that the reader keeps his/her eyes on You instead of on the problems. His/her faith is perfected through all he/she endures. He/she will experience tremendous joy!

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