R.E.A.C.H.

“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.” Hebrews 12:1

It seems that one day a kindergarten teacher was helping one of her students put on his cowboy boots. He asked for help and she could see why. Even with his pulling and her pushing, the little boots still didn’t want to go on. Finally, when the second boot was on, she had worked up a sweat. She almost cried when the little boy said, “Teacher, they’re on the wrong feet.” She looked down and sure enough, they were. It wasn’t any easier pulling the boots off than it was putting them on. But she managed to keep her cool as together they worked to get the boots back on- this time on the right feet. And it was only then that he announced, “These aren’t my boots.” She bit her tongue rather than scream, “Why didn’t you say so?” like she wanted to. And, once again she struggled to pull the illfitting boots off his little feet. No sooner had they got the boots off then he said, “Yea, they’re my brother’s boots. My mom made me wear ‘em today.” Stifling a scream, she mustered up the grace and courage she had left to wrestle the little boots on his feet again. Helping him into his coat, she asked, “Now, where are your mittens?” To which he replied, “I stuffed ‘em in the toes of my boots!”

Life can be a challenge. It seems like one thing after another is thrown at us and it is hard to keep our composure. Our own failings and mistakes; the failings and mistakes of others – just life in general can seem overwhelming at times. That’s why the words of Hebrews are so important to hear and heed. Others have gone before us and have faced many of the same burdens and challenges. We can learn from them how we are able to confess our faith in the living Savior and apply that faith to the circumstances of life.

The devil, the world and the flesh all conspire to entangle and overwhelm us.

Hebrews goes on to say how we are able to endure: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him 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 sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Hebrews 12:2-3

Jesus earned for us victory over our great enemies who would seek to drive to despair with the cares of this world and the guilt of our sin. In Christ we have salvation, in Him, our race is already won. That gives us endurance to persevere and the endurance to do His will.

Pastor David P. Loeschen

March 2010