Hebrews 12:1-3 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, 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.
Home field advantage can mean everything in sports. Teams who are at home often have a far better record than those on the road. When a team has someone cheering them on, they can often outplay their ability and their opponents. Try watching a Seattle Seahawks football game in Seattle and you will get the picture.
The Bible says that you, too, have an audience cheering you on. Hebrews 12:1 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us” (NLT).
Nothing you do is private. You have an audience. Heaven is watching. But, more importantly, you have a cheering section. The Bible says that everyone in Heaven is cheering you on.
Here is a fact that we often miss. God knows everything. The Lord doesn’t miss a thing. He knows your ups and downs. He knows every thought you have. He knows more about you than you know about yourself. He knows of every decision you have and will ever make.
He knows exactly how many times the enemy has knocked you down and tried to take you out.
But God is in your corner and He has no intention of throwing in the towel for you to end your fight. God is cheering you on to keep up the good fight. To get up when you get knocked down.
God is in your corner. He is your biggest fan, your biggest cheerleader, your greatest encourager, and the greatest coach in the universe that has a winning plan for your life!
But you’re also surrounded by "a huge cloud of witnesses to this life of faith.” Every believer who has ever lived is in the stands watching you live out your faith. People like King David, The Apostle Paul, Peter and thousands of others who have gone before you.
Your family at Encounter is your biggest fan club this side of heaven. Encounter at COS is your home field advantage.
They’re cheering you on. When you’re scared, they’re rooting for you to be courageous. When you want to give up, they’re urging you to keep going. When you feel insignificant and forgotten, they’re in your corner. When you fall down, they’re cheering for you to get back up.
When it seems like you have no strength to carry on, they take their cheerleading to another level because they know you are just one step, one decision, one healthy wise choice from getting your second wind and never looking back.
For those of you who are or were athletes, you know what a second wind is. A second wind is something that can only happen when you physically press on to the point where you cannot take another step or take another breath. And when you think you don’t have the strength to move forward, this resurgence of energy comes out of nowhere and nothing can stop the momentum you now have.
You are faster, stronger than you have ever been. You never get tired and nothing can stop you when you have this second wind. It is an experience that only those who persevere under the most grueling conditions ever experience.
When I played basketball, I would push myself to the point of complete exhaustion in the games that I played because I knew if I could get my second wind by pressing on and persevering under such intense conditions, I would get that second wind.
Once that second wind came over me, I had the power to press on and play at a level that I could never play in my own strength. The greatest games of my career came after I experienced a second wind.
The tribulations of life are no different. You will never experience the power of the second wind until you exhaust yourself of all your natural efforts. Until you get to the point where you can’t take another step, spiritually, relationally, physically, and emotionally.
When you feel like you don’t have an ounce of faith to pray, to take your thoughts captive, to put on the armor of God, to call your support team, to apply these Anchors of hope, to forgive your offenders, to think clearly and even find the will to live--Then consider Him, “Jesus Christ,” so you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Consider making Encounter on Friday nights a non-negotiable can’t miss night of running the race and getting your second wind. We are going to get back to the basics of keeping our eyes on Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Father, the Word of God and the power of prayer!
Encounter will resume in person services on June 12th. Here are some of the details:
· New start time will be 7:00pm
· No reservation is necessary
· There will be no childcare
· There will be no dinner or beverages served
· Masks are encouraged but optional
· Social distancing is still in effect
· All are welcome
I look forward to seeing you at Encounter next Friday June 12th at 7:00pm for an amazing night of worship, teaching, prayer and fellowship.
Be Blessed and Encouraged
Bill Rieser
Encounter Pastor