Cloud of Witnesses

¹Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. ²Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. ⁴In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
Hebrews 12:1-4 (NIV)


Many, if not all of us, struggle from time to time with heavy hearts. The easy thing to do is give up. It may seem like the perfect way out, but in reality we must keep going. There are so many people who endure a much greater hardship than we probably realize. I am so grateful for many things in my own life.

One of the things that I'm so grateful for is my support group. I have so many friends and family who love me and pray for me all the time especially during hard times such as these. Yes, I am struggling with some things right now, but I know they pale in comparison to many others. God is good and I know that He is going to work everything out in His perfect timing. I am doing my best to hold on to that hope. My faith is being tested right now, and I am doing my best to "fix my eyes on Jesus" and keep running this race we call life.

Nothing that I go through can ever be worse than what Christ did on that cross. I love the verses here where it says "you have not resisted to the point of shedding blood." Jesus Christ did so much for me. It humbles me all the time whenever I think about how much He loved me and took my place on that cross. I highly doubt I could die for someone that I don't know. But you know what? Christ did know me. He knows every detail about me. God created me the way that I am. Am I perfect? Of course not!

If you are going through a hard time, be encouraged. Find some people to pray for you, with you, and encourage you. Find your "cloud of witnesses" and keep pressing forward.