The Author and Perfecter by Ann-Louise

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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. 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

In a race, the runners keep their eyes on the goal – the finish line. They have rid themselves of all baggage, and take only what they need; nothing that can weigh them down. They don’t keep looking back where they’ve been; they just look straight ahead to the goal. They keep on, patiently putting one foot in front of the other. What do you look forward to at the end of this race? I look forward to falling at my Savior’s feet and washing them with my tears of gratitude and joy.  Along the way, we must keep my eyes focused on Him, laying everything else aside that would slow us down or side track us.

When we think of Jesus being “the author and perfecter of our faith,” we tend to consider this in reference only to our salvation. Jesus IS the author of the faith He placed within us to believe on Him and be saved. He will finish what He began in us when we see Him in glory, but that is not all this means.

Picture in your mind, if you will, a marathon runner. He has run a long way and is utterly exhausted. He has nothing left to give. Just as he is about to give up and collapse, someone runs to him from the crowd. This dear friend gives him a hug and says, “Come on. You can do it. I’ll go with you.” The runner says, “I hurt. I’m tired. I can’t go on. You don’t know how far I have already run. You don’t know how hard this is.”

The friend smiles and says, “I do know how hard it is. I have already completed this race. Let me go with you. Let me cheer you on. Let me help you up when you fall. Let me soothe the places that hurt. And, as you go, keep your eyes on me. Don’t worry about anything else. I will take care of it all. I am here for you and I love you.” The runner believes the friend’s words, has new hope and goes on to finish the race.

Isn’t that how Jesus is? He gave us the faith to begin the race and He will give us the faith to keep going to get to the finish line. He is and always will be right beside us, cheering us on, helping us up when we fall, and soothing the places that hurt. As long as we keep our eyes fixed on Him, He will take care of everything else. He will always be right beside us, showing us His love, as we run the race He has set before us. He IS the Author and Perfecter of our faith.



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