For those wanting to listen to the teaching I mention on Hebrews 12:1-2 about endurance, here is the link: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/5kuZMJCKsAb Facebook post I reference: God created us to live in Shalom (wholeness and peace).We all know that God’s creation took a detour by a poor decision by a human. Many of us know it as sin entered the world.God sent His son who became human and conquered sin and death through His life to restore what was broken – which means Jesus made it possible to live according to His original design of humans living in shalom. This is truth.Unfortunately, there are those who believe life is warfare. I understand why. Sometimes life can feel like a war. But remember a post I recently made? Reality and truth aren’t the same thing.“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. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:1-2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This passage teaches us how to endure and reach the finish line – keep our eyes on Jesus.How did Jesus endure? He placed his eyes on the joy set before Him. What did Jesus not do? Complain, stress about his enemies, declare or tell others his struggles every day, act like a victim, constantly speak ill of those who opposed Him.Another thing Jesus didn’t do was live His life to destroy the enemy. Jesus lived His life to fulfill the will of the Father.There’s a huge difference between the two. One involves constant battles and the other beings fulfillment.If you believe life is war, then guess what you will face all the time – warIf you believe that God created you to live in shalom, and although it was lost at one point, Jesus restored that, then guess what you will experience- wholeness and peace (shalom)It’s not that life will be void of circumstance, but you won’t allow reality to overcome Truth. You will have peace that surpasses understanding. -JesusSince your focus is on the joy set before you and Jesus, you’ll always see the joy, even in the midst of struggle.But if your eye is set on war, you’ll struggle to feel the rest and peace Jesus has promised you because you’re set on fighting battles all the time. Not because you need to but because you think you have to. Again, it’s not that struggle won’t happen, but your mindset and belief will dictate whether you live a life of conflict or of peace.I choose to live the Jesus-promised life. Will you join me?