The Author and Finisher of Faith

Do you ever realize that life is a journey, and it is always headed somewhere? I recently was told by a man I know that sometimes, it is like we are on a dark and winding road at night, and we have a look of uncertainty as to where we are going. This is equally true in the Christian life, when a person is walking with God. Sometimes, we don't know what path we are on, what step comes next, or even where it will lead us eventually. One thing we CAN know for sure is that Christ is the "author and finisher of our faith." It is His path that we are on, and ultimately, He knows the way to living victoriously, even when we cannot see two feet in front of us!

Hebrews 12:1-3 (NKJV): "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."

There are a couple of things about this scripture that stand out to me, first that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. We have people all around us who will encourage us to believe in Christ and His continuing work, as we are constantly given testimony by other believers of what He has done in their lives. We are able to view and hear about the other paths that Christians are walking with God and be encouraged that God is always with His children, and is not leaving them to ruin or destruction. Second of all, the word endurance stounds out as it is spoken of as something we need to run the race (the path of life) set before US, but also that Christ already demonstrated that this can be done by "enduring" the cross. He endured His own life path all the way to the end of suffering on a cross. He is setting an example for those of us who would like to follow Him in His own footsteps, and become Christ-like.

The word "patience" (or endurance) that is being spoken of in this verse is from the Greek word "hypomone" which means "steadfastness, constancy, endurance" and in the New Testament, it characterizes a person who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and suffering."

The scripture also says "despising the shame." Have you ever felt persecuted, or felt as though others around you were trying to put you to shame for what you believe about Christ, His power and His resurrection? I certainly have. I have endured shame from others because I was bold enough to proclaim that Jesus was alive and that I walk daily with Him. I have made proclamations of things that Christ has told me in the secret place of prayer with Him, shouting from the rooftops what I have heard in secret, and I have endured ridicule and shame....as all His prophets did before me. Christ, himself, was a prophet of God proclaiming God's Word, and His promises, and His plan for the redemption of mankind. Yet, Christ was (and still is) ridiculed to this day, and there are many who love to put His holy name to shame over the things He proclaimed as truth. The more we speak of the truth of God, the more we can expect to endure the same suffering and shame as Christ. But, there is redemption in the last line of the scripture. You see, Christ was exalted to the right hand of the throne of God, the place of greatest honor in the kingdom of God. We, too, after suffering, will be seated in the heavenly places with Christ and we have become co-heirs in His inheritance. We will be exalted as well.

I have been pondering this idea of being in shame by the world's standards for believing in Christ, His plan and His purposes for my life. I have endured ridicule, mocking, and utter disbelief, even from my own brothers and sisters in Christ. Why do I continue to run the race set before me (by Christ) with endurance? Because as I suffer with Him, I will also be exalted with Him in the heavenly places.

Romans 8:16-18 (NKJV): "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

I exhort you and encourage you to consider whether or not your suffering is for the kingdom of God, or you are just suffering in vain. This is all determined by whether the Spirit of God bears witness with your spirit as to whether you are a child of God. If you are suffering currently and are a child of God, I encourage you to run the race set before you with endurance! You will be exalted in that final day with Christ, and you will receive the inheritance that was given to you by the Father God in heaven. Just remain on that course that you are set upon, and remember that Christ is the one who is the author and FINISHER of your faith! May God bless you and keep you through any trial and suffering, and comfort you with the knowledge of your own exaltation alongside Christ. In Jesus name, I pray that God would open your hearts, minds, ears and eyes to see the truth of His Word, and the glory contained within.

In His glorious grace,

Sarah