What sin or weight is too valuable to cast off in light of this glorious joy that is set before us? “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17).…Brothers and sisters: There is greater joy coming than there is suffering now.

let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus… who for the joy that was set before him endured…
Hebrews 12:2

Brothers and sisters, the race is set before us, yes, but there is joy set before us too. Can you see beyond your circumstances? Can you see beyond the sin and temptation? Get your eyes on Jesus! He is the founder and perfecter of your faith, and He will carry you all the way to the end of the race. He will not abandon you. He promises you eternal joy. Can you see in Him that there is a resurrection coming? He is the firstborn from the dead, and we too will rise with Him.

And not merely a resurrection, but glory. When our race finally comes to an end, all those who are in Christ Jesus will find themselves in this glorious transition of being absent from the body, but present with the Lord. Joy. Is. Coming. What will it be like to be in the presence of Him who is all Good and all Love and All Joy and all Power? Can you imagine being in the presence of Him who is so Holy that angels hide their faces? Can you imagine the awe and trembling and joy in His presence? And in His presence with no distraction, no sin, no veil, no mirror dimly, but an eternal clarity where we will spend an eternity taking in His eternal self. Joy!

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