Shot of adrenaline

"When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he ploughed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls" Hebrews 12:3

Why is it that going over the story of Jesus with all of its hostility should shoot adrenaline into our souls? Maybe it's because it shows us that what we are doing or enduring is not in vain. If Jesus had to suffer that much and eventually even suffer death and yet rise again in proof of his victory over death, it shows that we are not on a losing side even though it might feel that way at the time.

Often, footy teams look back over their proud histories with all of their brutal battles and are inspired by past victories against all the odds. The current side then views its battles as a badge of honour, invigorated by the exploits of those who have gone before.

We look at Jesus and the saints of previous generations and we are inspired by them, knowing that their sacrifices were not in vain. Therefore, we also know that our sacrifices are for a bigger purpose than just this time in which we live. They have an eternal value.

God, as I look at my life, it isn't all that tough is it? Whatever challenges I am enduring now are nothing compared to what Jesus endured. Help me to also endure.