Set my face like flint  

Isaiah 50:7

Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.

Definition of Flint         

From Oxford online Dictionary

A piece of flint, especially as flaked or ground in ancient times to form a tool or weapon.

The idea is that flint is a hard piece of stone used to make other tools sharp or to strike something hard against the stone and it becomes the immovable object that other things flail against it.

Imagery synonyms – resolute, determined, immovable, fixed, resolved, focused, cast iron, steel, hardened,

This messianic psalm pictures Jesus being unmoved in his determination to complete his mission to die.  Ultimate victory overcame the initial shame of death on a cross naked. So the question is where and how does someone gain the character to finish the course?  How does someone learn to stay focused amidst great resistance?  How does one learn to persevere when so many quit before finishing the course?   

At least in the verse there is a hint given that explains how this individual received encouragement to be resolute.  It is more than just the assurance that the Lord would be there to help him.  We grow weary when we think we are all alone.  Knowing that he would be receiving help can strengthen his resolve in the midst of loneliness.

But there is another word that puts all other events into their proper context.  Sovereign - One who is over all reigns or kingdoms.  Nothing is happening in his life that is out of bounds for God.  No circumstance or event is so terrible that it baffles, clouds or misdirects God’s plan and purposes.  It does not mean that every event is good.  But every event is filtered through God’s ultimate purposes.  He will be there.  He will make things right.  He makes all things beautiful in His time.

Do you know God like that?  Can you draw strength from a Sovereign God?  One who loves and declares that he will be there to help you?  Therefore, let us fix our eyes on the prize and run the race of endurance.  Throwing off the sin that so easily entangles, throwing off the miscued priorities that suck away our time, taking every thought captive that leads us into uncertainty and doubt, and finish well.