Hebrews 12:1-3  “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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

The mission assigned to Jesus was to be born understanding that He would die in order to atone for humankind’s sin. Prior to the creation of this universe, there was already a plan marked out for His life. He was aware that He would bear the weight of humankind’s guilt. He understood that He would suffer for our sins, being beaten and wounded, and receiving the punishment which purchased our peace. His fate was to give His life in sacrifice for a people who, for the most part, would reject Him.

Jesus was motivated by the satisfaction of seeing us reconciled with God. Both in His words and in His deeds, His intent was clear. He laboured in the Garden of Gethsemane, but He made the decision to press on despite the impending suffering. His selfless commitment to God’s plan kept Him concentrated on the outcome. The life of Jesus offers us many lessons.

You and I were born with a mission, just like Jesus was. God planted the idea of eternity in our minds as soon as we arrived. He anticipated that we would require a constant source of motivation. We should be encouraged to keep going forward when we set aside our own thoughts and emotions and concentrate on the people God has asked us to reach for Him.

I pray that as you move forward and embrace your God-given mission, the life of Jesus will give you comfort and hope. Ask God to reveal His plan for your life if you are currently having trouble identifying that mission.