Today's daily devotion

The Sacrifice God Desires

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.—HEBREWS 12:1–2 NIV

Keeping the rules perfectly isn’t what pleases God. Jesus went beyond keeping traditional Jewish law to total surrender and sacrifice. His obedience to God’s will is why He is considered the pioneer of our faith journey.

The sacrifice God desires from us is a full surrender to Him. He wants us to follow, by faith, the journey He’s laid out for us. When we follow this path by faith, we please God. He wants our attitude to be one of acceptance, not reluctance or annoyance that we don’t have someone else’s journey. When we fix our eyes on Jesus, we can journey with faith, grace, and trust.

Those who have gone before us on their journeys are cheering us on. The telling of their stories is meant to encourage us. Share your journey with others and encourage them.

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your ultimate sacrifice and for never leaving us alone on our journey. Give us strength to take one more step even when it’s hard. Help us to remember that You know best. Remind us to share with others what You have done for us so we can encourage one another. Amen.

Adapted from