Don't Quit

Opening illustration: In 1952 Florence Chadwick attempted to swim 26 miles from the coast of California to Catalina Island. After 15 hours, a heavy fog began to block her view, she became disoriented, and she gave up. To her chagrin, Chadwick learned that she had quit just 1 mile short of her destination.

Two months later Chadwick tried a second time to swim to Catalina Island from the coast. Again a thick fog settled in, but this time she reached her destination, becoming the first woman to swim the Catalina Channel. Chadwick said she kept an image of the shoreline in her mind even when she couldn’t see it. Let us fix our eyes upon Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

When the problems of life cloud our vision, we have an opportunity to learn to see our goal with the eyes of faith. The New Testament letter to the Hebrews urges us to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (12:1-2). When we feel like quitting, this is our signal to remember not only what Jesus suffered for us but what He now helps us to endure—until the day we see Him face to face. [Dennis Fisher, ODB 03/11/16]

Introduction: The author of Hebrews uses the imagery of an athletic stadium. Among spectators are the heroes of the Christian faith: Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and the prophets (Hebrews 11). Here is the picture of a stadium; spectators are in the galleries; contestants are ready to run. “Wherefore” seeing that the galleries are filled with Gold Medal persons — those persons of faith in the Hebrews 11 — the new runners are enjoined to lay aside every “weight” (handicap), and “sin” (sin in general) and run with patience. This is not a hundred-yard dash but a long and sometimes grueling marathon.

How NOT to Quit the Race of Faith?

1. Be encouraged by the example set by our forefathers (v. 1a)

Is your handicap a lack of faith and courage to respond to God’s call to take the high road less traveled? Coach, call Abraham from the balcony for an encouraging word! For “He went not knowing where he was going” and became our model of faith and a father of nations.

Is your handicap the common cold of mental disorders, namely depression? Call Elijah, who after destroying the prophets of Baal was threatened by their chief sponsor, Jezebel. Elijah was so frightened that he ran to Beersheba and on into the desert so fast, according to J. McKee Adams, that you could “shoot marbles on his coattail.” There in the desert Elijah laid down under a “broom tree” and manifested all the signs of a major depression: lack of a sense of self-worth, paranoia, and meaninglessness. On to Mt. Horeb he entered into a cave. The “word of the Lord” came to him and said: “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

The champions of Hebrews 11 have run the race victoriously and now encourage us to become spiritual champions, too. The men and women of faith listed in Hebrews 11 were not perfect people. Look at the list. Noah was a drunk. Abraham, a liar. Samson, a person of passion. Rahab, a prostitute. Moses had a temper problem. Gideon was distraught with fear. David, an adulterer and murderer. Not only were these people not perfect, they weren't even close to perfect. But they progressed toward the finish line of Christ-likeness.

These champions of yesterday testify to us today. Noah is telling every drunk you can stop. Abraham reminds every liar that you can tell the truth. Samson acknowledges that God's power can enable you to win over your passion. Rahab informs you that you can break the chains of promiscuity. Moses jogs your memory that with God's help you can control anger. Gideon testifies that you can face your fears. And, David beckons that you can overcome the worst things a human being can do.

Paul reminded them of the great men and women of faith who had preceded them. He reminded them of their sacrifices and courage. He reminded them that these men and women had kept the faith in the face of overwhelming foes and imminent death.

God’s therapy for the depressed is:

• Get back into creative activity. God called Elijah to face the wilderness and on his way anoint a king over Syria and a king over Israel, and Elisha to be a prophet (2 Kings 19:1-18);

• The assurance that God has many other people who have not bowed to the evil one (v. 18). Awareness that there are others who share your suffering can be reassuring and encouraging. Responding to God’s call to action can be healing.

2. Drop every weight/hindrance (v. 1b)