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SERMON SERIES

"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." -Hebrews 12:2

Why did Jesus endure the cross? The scriptures tell us there was a reason for it, and it's found in this verse. "For the joy that was set before Him…." Now you may be thinking, as I was, what joy is there in a cross? What joy could be found in the trials He went through? And, where it hits home with us, what joy can be found in the trials that we go through? When we are going through trials and hardships, it is natural to focus on the difficulties we are having. They're right there in front of us, they're at the forefront of our minds, and it's hard not to focus on them. But if we truly want to overcome our hardships, is it possible to change our focus? Is it possible to learn something from how Jesus endured an incredible trial such as the cross?

I believe we can overcome our hardships, we can change our focus, and we can do so by learning from Jesus! Certainly Jesus went through a terrible trial, and He didn't do it with a smile on His face. He struggled with it and wished He didn't have to go through it. But He did go through it, and by doing so He paved the way for you and me to have a relationship with God and to live forever in heaven with Him! How did Jesus endure?

"For the joy that was set before Him." He found a way to change His focus. He looked beyond the trial, beyond the hardship, beyond the cross itself, and saw the joy that was just over the horizon. I think many of us have lost the joy of the Lord. We are too busy, too overwhelmed with problems and hardships, and as a result, too focused on the difficulties in life. So much so, that we don't have any room left for joy. This singular focus on the hardships of life creates a downward spiral that is hard to rise above. But we can change our focus, with the help of our Lord! Look for the joy that God has in store for you. As Peter Pan was able to fly by thinking a happy thought, so too may we rise above our troubles and be able to soar by focusing on the things that bring us joy in life! May God be your source of joy, and your ever present help in time of trouble.

God bless!
Jeff