Hebrews 12 states that we should "throw off everyting that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross. "We all get weary and tired but we must not quit our faith, our God or the Church.

1. We must throw off weariness and fear before we can persevere.

2. We must throw off sin that entangles us.

3. We must quit living a disopedient life. If we know what the Bible says, it will alter our lives. The secret to endurance is Jesus. Fixing our eyes on Jesus will help us run our race to the end. When we are tempted "to throw in the towel and just give up", think on these things:

A. Think on what Jesus endured on the cross. His sacrifice and suffering was for us.

B. Think on what our military men and women endure in Iraq and other places. They face danger of injury and even death for us.

C. Think about all the little children who endure cancer and other illnesses and handicaps.

The list could go on and on. Thinking on these things should give us courage and strength to endure whatever problems and changes we face in our lives. Endurance will bring us peace. God has said "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we can say with confidence "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me." (Hebrews 13:5)

Jim Keevert