Hebrews 12:1-4

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God’s throne in heaven. 3 Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don’t become weary and give up. 4 After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.

New Living Translation

 

There are two important truths in this passage that can help us when we feel weak, and our faith is anemic.

First, we are not alone.  Many have run this race before us, and there are many Christians around us, cheering us on.  If you are feeling discouraged, there is someone you can go to for encouragement, if you are willing to take the risk.

Second, we are able to endure all we have to suffer in this life not because we have so much strength in ourselves.  We do it instead by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. 

He endured so much, for our sake.  No matter how much you are suffering, it is nothing compared to the torture He endured.  He understands your struggles, and He offers hope and help. 

But that hope and help is not an object, something He hands over to us and we use.  Instead, He is our hope and our help.  As long as we keep our eyes fixed on Him, we can do anything He asks.  If we take our eyes of Him, we sink, just like Peter did when he was walking on the water, and looked at the waves instead of at Jesus.

It isn't always easy to keep our focus, but it is vital!