"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." - Hebrews 12:1
Some of the weights that hinder us in running our race (God's plan for us) are:
- hanging out with the wrong people
- wrong ambitions
- bad attitudes
- addictions
- some social events that we attend
- some business deals
- some investment opportunities
We have to keep looking to Jesus for strength - not trusting in ourself, our profession, our experiences, or other people.
"We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith." Hebrews 12:2a
We have a race to run - His plan for us. We have to receive His strength and keep going. Men like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses kept running their race and looking to God for guidance and strength. The Lord was able to use them in mighty ways. (the witnesses mentioned in Hebrews 11)
And when we feel like giving up, verse 3 tells us to consider Him. We haven't really had to suffer or go through anything as bad as Jesus did. They spat on Him, accused Him, called Him names, hated Him, killed Him.
"Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up." Hebrews 12:3
God puts things and challenges in our lives that make us become better Christian disciples. Correction and discipline are not always punishments. When we've been disciplined by the Lord, it is for our own good and part of His plan for us. God is wise and still on the throne. He chooses what is best for us. And He will give us the strength to endure the race He planned for us. (from Hebrews 12:5-12)
In order to run my race better, I need to get rid of some weights: bitterness, worry, impatience, eating for emotional reasons. These things are just weighting me down and keeping me from serving God better.
How about you?
Are there any weights that you need to lay aside? Have you been experiencing the Lord's discipline in your own life?
