Running in Endurance

Forged in Faith & Kingdom Strategies Newsletter

Running with Endurance: Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus

Dear Beloveds,

There are moments in our faith walk when we feel weary, burdened by trials, or even tempted to slow down. But Hebrews 12 calls us higher, urging us to run our race with endurance, keeping our eyes locked on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

Lay Aside Every Weight

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. Hebrews 12:1 (ESV)

What is weighing you down? It might not even be sin, it could be worry, doubt, past wounds, or even the fear of what’s ahead. The enemy is strategic; he knows if he can load you with burdens, he can slow you down and detour you from the path God has for you. But God calls us to strip off every unnecessary weight, to be unshackled from fear and distractions, and to press forward in faith. ✝️👑💪🏼⚔️🩸🛡️🔥♥️🙏🏼♥️🔥🪽✌🏼✌🏼

It’s time to identify and surrender those things that are draining your strength. Imagine a runner, if they tried to sprint with heavy bags strapped to them, they wouldn’t get far very fast. The same is true for you in the spirit. The Lord is calling you to a lighter, freer race, one where you are strengthened, not hindered.

Fix Your Eyes on Jesus

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. Hebrews 12:2 (ESV)

The enemy will try to divert your attention through hardship, offense, loss, rejection, abandonment or even through success in some cases. But when we fix our eyes on Jesus, we gain perspective. He endured the cross for the joy set before Him. What was that joy? You. Your redemption. Your salvation, Your restoration. Your victory.

When we focus on the One who has already overcome, we remember that:

✝️ Our trials are temporary, but our reward is eternal.

✝️ Jesus already ran and won the race we run from victory, not for victory.

✝️ Even in suffering, God is strengthening us, refining us, and making us more like Him.

The enemy will whisper, You’re alone. This is too hard. You won’t make it. But he is a liar. Jesus already made the way, and His grace is carrying you forward.

Embrace the Discipline of the Lord

For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives. Hebrews 12:6 (ESV)

Discipline isn’t punishment; it’s love in action. God’s correction is proof that you are His! If He allows a pruning season, it’s because He’s producing greater fruit in you. If He says let go, it’s because He has something better ahead for you. If you feel stretched, it’s because He’s strengthening you.

Discipline develops endurance and endurance keeps you running. The refining fire may be uncomfortable, but it purifies and prepares you for greater things.

A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken

At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:26, 28 (ESV)

We are living in a time of shaking. The world is shifting, values are crumbling, and the enemy is seeking to bring fear and confusion. But we are part of a Kingdom that cannot be shaken.

When everything around you feels uncertain, stand firm. God’s Kingdom, His promises, His purposes, they are unshakable. Let your confidence rest in Him, not in circumstances. He is your strong tower, your firm foundation, your anchor in every storm.

A Call to Spiritual Endurance

The race set before you is not for the faint of heart, but you are not running alone. The Holy Spirit empowers you, heaven is cheering you on, and Jesus is at the finish line, waiting with open arms.

👑 Drop the weights.

👑 Fix your eyes on Jesus.

🔥Endure the refining process.🔥

👑 Stand firm in the unshakable Kingdom.

The enemy wants to wear you down, but the Lord is strengthening you. Keep going. Keep trusting. Keep running. Victory is already yours.

Warfare Prayer: Running the Race with Endurance

Father God, in the name of Jesus, I come before You, surrendering every weight, every burden, and every distraction that has tried to slow me down. You have called me to run with endurance, and I will not shrink back.

I fix my eyes on You, Jesus the One who has already overcome. Strengthen me in every weak place. Remind me that I am not alone, that Your Spirit empowers me every step of the way, and that Your grace is sufficient for this race.

I reject every lie of the enemy that tells me I can’t make it. I silence every voice that speaks fear, doubt, or discouragement. I declare that I am more than a conqueror, that I am unshakable in You, and that I will endure to the end.

Lord Jesus, refine me. Shape me. Discipline me in Your love. Let my life be one of faithful obedience, unwavering trust, and relentless pursuit of Your Kingdom.

I declare that no weapon formed against me shall prosper, that every attack of the enemy is dismantled, and that I am running forward with power and perseverance. My race is not in vain. My endurance is not wasted. My faith is producing eternal fruit.

I praise You, my Lord, my Savior for being my strength, my shield, my protection and my victory. In Jesus’ mighty name, I pray, Amen and Amen!!

Stay strong, keep fighting the good fight, and never lose sight of Faith in Jesus.

In His Grace and Mercy,

Jeannie Walker

JW Forged in Faith, Kingdom Strategies LLC