"Handling a Crisis that Just Won't End"

Intro:

Here we go again; we’ve seen this movie before!

This isn’t the second wave; this is the worst part of the first wave!

Many across the nation are still struggling thru the hardships associated with the unique problems of our times.

When does it end?

How are we supposed to deal with EVEN MORE of this stuff??!!

“Handling a Crisis that Just Won’t End”

The New King James Version Chapter 12

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

The New King James Version Chapter 12

looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Background to the Text:

The life of faith, the “Hall of Fame of Faith” (ch. 11), it’s our turn now.

Author tells the stories of some of the heroines & heroes of faith, but talks about the struggles and hardships that they had to face in their faith.

New Living Translation Chapter 11

All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised.

In this faith journey, according to this text, there are a few things that we can expect with certainty:

We have a Crowd

The New King James Version Chapter 12

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses

We have a Coach

The New King James Version Chapter 12

looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith

We have a Cause

The New King James Version Chapter 12

the race that is set before us,

“Set before us” = something that has already been prescribed, pre-determined

But, with this Cause, there WILL BE Crisis!

We will face Crisis

The New King James Version Chapter 12

let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us

“Weight” - impediment, hindrance, mass of great size

“THE sin”

“That EASILY ensnares us” - something obstructive or constrictive; something that seeks to be controlling over us; something that squeezes to the point of leading to distress; like a knee on a neck for 8:46 so that you can’t breathe

Not only is it crisis, but it’s a crisis that requires endurance.

Endurance is a word that you use when describing something that is going to take awhile to get thru.

Endurance = hupermeno - to under-remain; to wait, remain, stay under, stand one’s ground, bear up (under); to withstand

THESIS: In a never-ending crisis, we must follow Jesus’ example of endurance.

How did Jesus endure His race?

The New King James Version Chapter 12

who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

How did Jesus endure His race?

1. He Looked Ahead

The New King James Version Chapter 12

for the joy that was set before Him

Hope

Joy

What’s next?

2. He Locked In

The New King James Version Chapter 12

despising the shame

Close our ears

Blinders on horses

Develop thick skin

Don’t dwell on negative things and negative people

How do we get through these choking, distressing, constricting, burdensome times?

We have to look ahead in hope & we’ve got to lock in on what we believe & not what others might say.

Let’s not grow weary of well-doing, for in DUE SEASON, He promises that we will reap a harvest IF we don’t lose heart (see Gal. 6:9)!