Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.

- Hebrews 12:2

We all have a race to run that has been set before us.

And, each of us has a special path that God has placed in our lives. When the pressures of life and the burnout tend to creep in, we may have moments where we feel like giving up altogether. We may feel stuck and as though we aren’t making progress.

It is in these moments where we need to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus the most!

Growing the kingdom of God is a full-time job that doesn’t have a retirement plan.

We are encouraged to keep going no matter what challenges arise.

Thankfully, we can have peace, hope and assurance knowing that God is by our side the whole journey.

Know that He has not called you to run your race alone, for He is holding you by your right hand, ready to strengthen you as you keep persevering!

There are people that need your wisdom, insight, prayers and encouragement. There are people that need to hear your testimony, to hear how God has changed your life, to read your writing, to hear your singing for the Lord, to see your art, or to come in contact with your business.

God is not done using you!

As you keep your eyes on Him, He will guide you in your race. He will let you know when you need to pause to refuel and when you need to step on the gas.

Take a deep breath and fix your eyes on Him. As long as He is your focus, His strength will cause you to persevere!

Hear Him whispering to you today: “Keep going, beloved. I am here, at your side. Don’t look to the right or to the left, but keep your eyes on me. You’re going to make it!”

Prayer: Lord, help me to keep my eyes fixed on you even during the difficult parts of my race. Thank you for guiding me and showing me when to slow down and when to speed up. I know you are with me, and I choose to grip your hand in childlike trust today.

With Love,
Sarah Sherstad 

It's easy to become consumed by what's happening around us. The pressures of daily life, unanswered questions, and unexpected challenges can shift our focus away from God's faithfulness. Before moving on with your day, take a few moments to pause and consider where your attention has been resting—and how Jesus may be inviting you to refocus your heart on Him.

Journal & Reflect

• What distractions have been competing for my attention lately?
• In what area of my life do I need to intentionally fix my eyes on Jesus?
• How has God proven faithful to me in previous seasons?  

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Hebrews 12:2 mean?

Hebrews 12:2 encourages believers to focus on Jesus as the source and sustainer of their faith. Rather than becoming consumed by life's difficulties, we are called to look to Him for strength, guidance, and endurance.

What does "author and finisher of our faith" mean?

Jesus is both the beginning and completion of our faith journey. He initiates our relationship with God and faithfully works in us throughout our lives.

How can I keep my focus on Jesus during difficult seasons?

Regular prayer, reading Scripture, worship, gratitude, and intentionally remembering God's faithfulness can help redirect your focus when circumstances feel overwhelming.

Why is endurance important in the Christian life?

Faith is often described as a race rather than a sprint. Endurance helps believers continue trusting God through challenges while remaining confident in His promises.  

Prayer 

Heavenly Father, 
Thank You for sending Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. When distractions, worries, and challenges compete for my attention, help me keep my eyes fixed on Him. Give me endurance for the journey ahead and remind me that You are faithfully working in every season of my life. Help me trust You more deeply and follow You more closely each day.
In Jesus' name, 
Amen.

Message from Kara

There are seasons when it's easy to feel pulled in a hundred different directions. Responsibilities, worries, and unanswered questions can quickly become the things we focus on most.

That's why I love the reminder in Hebrews 12:2. We don't have to carry the weight of everything on our own. We can continually return our attention to Jesus—the One who knows the beginning, the middle, and the end of our story.

Whatever you're facing today, I hope you'll remember that your strength isn't found in having all the answers. It's found in keeping your eyes on the One who does. 

Cheering you on, 
Kara 

Applying this to your Daily Routine

Take time to reflect, pray, and process what God is teaching you through every season. Our Personalized Prayer Journal was designed to help you grow deeper in faith—one day at a time–turning intention into habit. Many people use journals to revisit verses like these and reflect throughout the week.

👉 Explore Personalized Scripture Products at www.papersunday.com

Today's devotional pairs beautifully with the Betsy Floral by Jennifer Ashley | Personalized Scripture Journal

If you want to grow deeper in your daily life and reflection, these devotionals can help:

Daily Devotional • Hebrews 12:11 • Growth Through Discipline

Daily Devotional • Luke 6:44 • Fruit That Reflects the Heart