Hebrews 12: 1-4, 10-11 Running the race that God set before you well is contingent on how well you pick up the cross God has given you. We have to keep in mind the finish line. As we endure our conscience, shame, hostility, and temptations, we must not lose hope. Even the most beautiful of flowers, the rose, has its thorns. We may deal with the thorns in our life here on earth, but we will have the Rose of Sharon in Heaven.