Make No Comparisons – The Presidential Prayer Team

Looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. – Hebrews 12:2

Making comparisons can cause problems. Comparing yourself to others can give rise to feelings of either inferiority or superiority. Or you might become envious or discouraged regarding your status or accomplishments in life. Likewise, the “hall of faith” in Hebrews 11 of the “great cloud of witnesses” is not provided as a list to compare against.

These Biblical figures provide examples of how God can work through a person for His glory as they trust in and obey His Word. Their lives should be an encouragement to you, for their God is your God with the same power and might as He equipped them.

The greatest “faith” example of all is Christ Jesus, Himself. Jesus is “one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). He did not waver but used His Father’s Word to keep Him securely on the path laid out for Him. It was a path to the cross. If He had not made the sacrifice for your sins, there would be no righteousness afforded to you before God. Jesus is the wonderful Perfecter of faith – He carried it through to completion.

Fix your eyes upon Jesus. Intercede for those leaders in government whose faith has faltered. No matter what the days ahead hold, Jesus is the Rock upon which your faith can stand.

Today’s Verse: Hebrews 12:2

looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: Hebrews 12:1-4, 12-14

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ²looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

³Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. ⁴In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

¹²Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, ¹³and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. ¹⁴Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.