Who is Jesus?

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God,” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

The Author

Every story has an author, and every faith journey has a beginning. Before we ever sought Christ, He was already pursuing us.

Perhaps, like me, your story of faith began in childhood through the prayers, teachings, and Bible reading of your mother or another family member. Maybe it was a friend or even a stranger who first introduced you to Christ. Maybe you were invited to Vacation Bible School or church camp. Perhaps you felt the pull toward Jesus after watching a particular movie or attending a specific concert. Maybe your faith story began during a painful season in life when you realized your need for God or in a quiet moment when you sensed His presence.

However your journey began, none of it happened by accident. Jesus was the One writing the first chapters of your faith long before you realized it. “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit-fruit that will last-and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you,” (John 15:16).

If you’re reading this blog post, I think it’s apparent that I enjoy writing (most of the time). If you keep up with my posts, you know that I often struggle to produce and put out new material, as evidenced by this being my first blog post in months.

Additionally, one of my life goals is to write and publish a book. Have you ever tried writing a book? Let me tell you, it’s no easy feat. I have started numerous books over the last 20+ years, and I’ve yet to make it even halfway to finishing one. It’s easy to get distracted in this world of constant noise and communication and demands.

As a wannabe writer who is also stubbornly independent at times, I often try to author my own life story, which never ends well. In fact, whenever I attempt to take my life into my own hands and don’t take the time to consult God or ignore Him because I don’t like His answer, I make many mistakes and fall short, often leaving myself feeling disappointment, guilt, sadness, uncertainty, and wistfulness.

This happened recently. I lost someone in my life I cared deeply for because I was trying to do things my own way and in my own timing instead of seeking God’s guidance. I got distracted by insignificant worries and worldly opinions, and I quit seeking Jesus first and focusing on my callings, so of course it all fell apart.

As much as we’d like to go back at times and rewrite certain chapters from our lives, unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. Instead, a new chapter begins and our story continues whether we’re ready to move on or not. We just have to trust that the Author knows best.

Our faith is a journey too. As women, we often place enormous pressure on ourselves to have everything figured out…to be stronger, wiser, more spiritually mature…to be a Proverbs 31 woman. Yet, we are quick to forget that faith itself is a gift from God. It’s not something we create; it’s something God awakens within us and nurtures throughout our lives.

Jesus authored our redemption story through His life, death, and resurrection. He made a way for us to know God personally and to walk confidently as daughters of the King. “For we walk by faith, not by sight,” (2 Corinthians 5:7).

When you remember that Jesus is the Author of your faith, you can rest knowing your story is not an accident. He knows every page, and every chapter has purpose because it is being written by the Savior who loves you and is for you. “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31).

The Finisher

Have you ever started something with excitement only to find yourself struggling halfway through? Maybe it was a fitness goal, a Bible reading plan, a ministry commitment, or simply a season of trusting God through difficult circumstances. If you’re like me, you could be struggling with all the above.

We all have seasons in life when things are going well. In these moments, our faith feels easy. We see and appreciate God’s blessings all around us. We bask in answered prayers, and we walk forward confidently knowing God’s got us.

Then, there are the difficult seasons of life when our paths become more challenging to navigate. Oftentimes, what began with confidence becomes harder than expected, and we wonder if we have what it takes to keep going. We get weighed down by burdens and don’t understand why our prayers are going unanswered or if God is even listening. Many times our hearts become so weary that we struggle to put one foot in front of the other.

In these moments, we need the reminder from Hebrews 12:2 that not only is Jesus the Author of our faith-He is also the Finisher of it. The One who started our faith journey is the very One who will faithfully bring it to completion.

We may leave projects unfinished. We may start goals and lose motivation. We may even struggle with consistency in our spiritual lives, but Jesus is not like us. One of the greatest comforts we can have as a Christian is knowing that Jesus never abandons what He begins. He is faithful. “Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds,” (Psalm 36:5).

Using the word “finisher” in describing Jesus means He is bringing something to its intended completion. God is continually shaping, refining, and growing us into the women He created us to be. Sometimes His refining work happens through blessings, while other times it occurs through trials.

If you’re in a difficult season today, it’s not a sign that Jesus has forgotten you. It may actually be evidence that He is still working in your life. The disappointments, delays, and challenges are often the very tools He uses to strengthen our faith and draw us closer to Him. The work He started in me and in you is a work that He’s here to see through.

Therefore, it’s important we remember to keep our focus on Jesus and not the demands of family or work, not on broken relationships, not on the uncertainty of the future, not on financial pressures, not on health concerns, etc.

When our eyes stay fixed on our problems, fear grows. However, when our eyes stay fixed on Jesus, faith grows. “So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in him, being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude,” (Colossians 2:6-7).

Jesus endured more pain and sorrow on the cross than we could ever imagine. He understands suffering and weariness, but He also embodies perseverance. Because He overcame, we can trust Him to lead us through every season we face.

If you’re reading this today and have been feeling discouraged by life’s burdens and disappointments, take heart. The Author of your faith is still writing your story. The Finisher of your faith has not reached the end of your chapter. What feels unfinished to you is not unfinished to Him. He sees the entire book while we only see the page.

“…being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus,” (Philippians 1:6).

Have a blessed week!

-Becky