That’s what I wrote in my journal today. Have you had those moments?

As you know Dean and I went to Maine to see Jessi, Justin and the kiddos. Before we even went, I was dreading the good-bye. I remembered how hard it was the last time. I had to wrestle my emotions telling me: “It would be easier not to go, just to be hurt and devastated again”.

And that is true, it would be easier to not go, knowing how hard it is going to be on the other end. That can be said about so many things in life.

Knowing a loss is coming can make us not want to start…or love…or invest our time and energy…

BUT think about how both God and Jesus went all-in on Jesus coming to earth, loving us, dying for our sin and being separated from each other.

They knew the cost. They knew the pain. They knew how hard all of it was going to be and still they invested and gave all they had for you and me.

Wow! Just Wow!

May we love and serve so unconditionally.

I am reminded of the verse in Hebrews 12:2 “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor besides God’s throne.” (NLT)

What do we do by keeping our eyes on Jesus? We need to go back a chapter where we are told:
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1

The chapter continues with all the people in the Old Testament who “BY FAITH” trusted God. The interesting thing about the faith chapter is, “These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.” Hebrews 11:39

Jesus endured the cross which is to bear up under trial, to continue when the going is tough.
The people in chapter 11 endured hardships and disappointments.

As Jesus-followers we are not exempt from difficult situations and we need to stop expecting an answer to our “why?” and stay faithful … steadfast … unmovable in our faith that God has us and will work things out.

Hebrews 12:1 helps us with the how: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,
let us throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles,
and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

Just a quick bunny trail about the cloud of witnesses: one commentator mentioned that “it does not imply that people in heaven are watching or know what is going on here on earth. It is an illustration, not a revelation.” Let’s not make it weird.

OK, let’s get back to it. That verse reminds us that we need to get rid of sin or anything that keeps us from the running our race: what is holding you back?
We need to keep our eyes on Jesus, who finished His race and will be with us every step of our race. He will be there through the wins, the losses, and everything in between.

Sometimes, the only answer is to stay the course, be faithful where you are and trust God for with our emotions, our dreams and our future. By enduring the hard things we can experience the beauty and joy.

Remember when Paul said God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness? And that His grace is all we need for what we are going through? Well, we need to admit our weakness so we can see His strength. We need to be honest where we are, so His grace can sustain us.

Let’s take a moment to get real with God and see His strength and grace in our lives today!
Have an amazing day Child of the Living, Loving God, Who sees you!

All My Love ~
Jodi xo

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