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. Hebrews 12:1-2
Jesus endured the cross so that I could run with perseverance the race before me. In order to do that, I have to lay aside things that would burden me and the sin that entangles me because both slow me down. It is not just every day things that slow us down. We know we will face problems, but most of us just press through the everyday struggles. It is the things that we deal persistently with, those things that burden us down. It is the sin that we allow to stay in our life that weighs us down.
I was thinking about the things that I bring into my life. Or the things that I let linger that way me down and keep me from running the race God has for me. things like insecurities, shame and guilt. Also things like overeating, procrastination, and not completing things. These are all burdens and sins that slow me down or stop me completely from completing the things God has for me.
If I lay something down to run, in order to pick it back up, I have to turn back around to go get it. It takes more energy and delays my time in the race. How many times have I done it though? How many times do I lay it down, just to turn around and go pick it back up. I run back to my insecurities, even through they slow me down and drain my energy. I lay down the over eating, and then I go back to it for comfort when God is right there waiting for me to turn to Him in my hurt. He not only won’t slow me down, He can redeem the time that I spend with Him being comforted.
Prayer – Lord, help me to lay aside the things, the burdens and sin that are weighing me down and keeping me off the path You have called me to. I want to lay them aside and move past them instead of turning around to go pick them up where I lay it down. You died for me to run free towards You. Help me!!!
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