Hebrews 12:1-2

1 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 trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 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 its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

Hebrews 12:1-2

When we’re trying to be patient, we’re not alone. The scriptures talk about a “great cloud of witnesses” who faced tough times and kept going. Thinking about their stories can help us keep going too. Just like running a race takes discipline and determination, our faith journey often means we need to focus on Jesus, the best example of patience and endurance. By looking to Him, we find the strength to handle life’s challenges.

Wisdom comes from learning from our own experiences and from those who came before us. Their stories, full of struggles and victories, give us hope. Today, think about who has influenced your understanding of patience and endurance. Let their lessons encourage you as you face your own challenges, reminding you that you’re part of a much bigger story of faith.

• Who do you consider to be a mentor or a model of faith in your life?

• How can you better learn from the experiences of others during your trials?

• What does fixing your eyes on Jesus look like in your daily routine?

• Pray for discernment to recognize individuals whose faith inspires you.

• Ask God to help you remember and apply the lessons learned from others.