Hebrews 12:1-12

Discipline

A sculptor was asked how he could create such lifelike figures from a block of stone. He replied, “I see the figure inside the stone, and I simply chip away everything that isn’t part of it.” This insight speaks to our own spiritual life. As we intentionally run the race marked out for us and keep our eyes on Jesus, He shapes us, chipping away our fears, doubts, and sins to reveal the person He created us to be. The sculptor’s focus on the final image parallels our need to focus on Jesus, trusting that He is at work in us, even when we don’t fully understand the process. Hebrews 12:2 calls Jesus the “pioneer and perfector of faith”. We are reminded that our faith is a process and He is intimately involved in it from start to finish. The shaping and chipping aren’t always pleasant but it’s a sure sign He loves us.

Take a moment to thank God for His amazing love for you and for the work He is doing in your life so you can “share in His holiness”. Ask for His help to 1)“throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles”, 2) “fix your eyes on Jesus” and 3) “endure the hardship as discipline”.