Losing Steam

Why is it that I always lose steam? I'll working along at a good pace but, as the days turn into weeks, I start fading. It doesn't matter what the subject is. It could be school, reading a book, or staying on top of your Christian game. I think that is why the Apostle TBA wrote this:

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, 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. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.  (Hebrews 12)

The Holy Scriptures breathe life into weary lungs.  What an incredible blessing we have from God!  The piece of this scripture that resonates with me is the end.  I have never resisted sin to the point of shedding blood.  But Christ, for the joy set before him, endured such pain.  For the JOY set before him.  What an amazing God we serve that sees the cross as joy for our sake. Even though we do not deserve His grace, He joyfully has secured it.