“Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” – Hebrews 12:3
Jesus gives us the only role model and inspiration we need when we grow exhausted, afraid, or anxious about continuing to do the right thing in a distressing world. Jesus perfectly did His Father’s will at all times. He did so in the face of ever-increasing opposition. He boldly preached, taught, and ministered knowing it would lead to His death on the cross. He suffered, He died, and He rose from the dead.
Now for all who follow Jesus, we’re called to take up our cross daily, deny ourselves (not indulge ourselves), and truly follow Him. How do we do that? How does thinking about Jesus help us stay energized and bold when all we sometimes want to do is curl up in a ball in our bedroom with the lights off?
First, we know that because He did what He did, we who believe in Him will also rise from the dead. Nobody can threaten a Christian with death because death is the doorway to glorious eternity with God. Death is the enemy of the unbeliever and the friend of the Christian.
Second, we know that the very same Jesus is united with us – we are one with Him. This was His prayer and our reality. When we’re weary, He invites us to yoke ourselves to Him and let Him do the heavy work to keep going (Matthew 11:28-30).
Third, we know that the Spirit of Christ lives within us. The same Spirit of boldness and faithfulness to God’s will lives in the heart of every single Christian. The same Spirit! We must rely on that Spirit rather than our own timid spirits.
This is a matter of inspiration, prayer, and empowerment in Christ. Look to Jesus and don’t grow weary or afraid!