"Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus: Strength To Face Life’s Trials” Hebrews 12:1-3

Good Morning

Grab your bible and say this with me

This is my Bible

I am what is says I am

I have what it says I have

I can do what it says I can do.

Today I will be taught more of the Word of God

I boldly confess My Mind is alert

My heart is receptive.

I will never be the same.

I am about to receive the incorruptible, Indestructible ever-living seed of the Word of God

I will never be the same

I'll never be the same, In Jesus Name!

Amen.

“Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus: Strength to Face Life’s Trials”

Scripture Reading:

Turn with me in your Bible to Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV) and say, "Amen" when you are there.

"Therefore, 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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

Introduction:

Life is a journey marked by both triumph and trial. Every person on this earth faces struggles: sickness, loss, rejection, financial stress, broken relationships, and personal failures. Sometimes these trials feel like mountains too steep to climb.

But God’s Word does not promise a life free from hardship. Instead, it offers something far better: the presence of Jesus to walk with us through every difficulty, and the power to endure and overcome.

Hebrews 12 invites us to fix our eyes on Jesus — not on our problems, our fears, or our pain. Today, we will explore how focusing on Jesus changes the way we face trials and gives us strength to keep running the race God has set before us.

Point 1: Trials Are Inevitable but Purposeful

Scripture: John 16:33

"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

No believer is exempt from trials. Jesus told His followers plainly that hardship is part of life. The question is not if trials come, but how we respond to them.

Why does God allow trials?

To strengthen our faith: James 1:2-4 encourages us to consider trials as pure joy because they produce perseverance, making our faith mature and complete.

To shape our character: Romans 5:3-5 teaches that suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope — qualities essential to spiritual maturity.

To deepen our reliance on God: When life is easy, we might forget our dependence on God. Trials remind us that apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5).

Illustration:

Think about a blacksmith forging a sword. The sword must go through intense heat and repeated hammering to become strong and useful. Without the fire and the pressure, it remains soft and ineffective. Similarly, God’s trials refine us and prepare us for His purposes.

Point 2: Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus Changes Our Perspective

Scripture: Hebrews 12:2

"Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."

To “fix our eyes” on Jesus means to focus our attention and trust on Him, above all else. Instead of being consumed by our troubles, we are invited to look to the One who leads us.

What does fixing our eyes on Jesus mean practically?

Daily prayer and Scripture reading: Spending time with Jesus helps us see beyond our immediate problems. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Remembering Jesus’ victory: Jesus endured the cross, despising its shame. Because He overcame death, we can face any trial with hope.

Trusting God’s sovereignty: Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works all things for the good of those who love Him.

Cultivating gratitude: Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us not to be anxious, but to bring our requests to God with thanksgiving, leading to peace.

Imagine a runner in a long race. If the runner looks down at the rough terrain, they may trip and fall. But if they look ahead to the finish line and the cheering crowd, their spirit is lifted, and they push forward.

Point 3: Jesus Understands Our Pain and Walks With Us

Hebrews 4:15-16

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence..."

Jesus is not distant or unaware of our suffering. He faced betrayal by friends, rejection by His own people, physical pain, emotional anguish, and ultimately death on the cross.