"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us..."--Hebrews 12:1(AMP)
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us..."--Hebrews 12:1(AMP)
Have you ever seen a track runner race in a three-piece suit and overcoat or evening gown? Of course not. It sounds silly, right? Even if you are not a runner, most of us know that proper attire is necessary in order to run with comfort, speed, and endurance. Carrying anything extra will either slow a runner down or sideline them from the race. It's the same in the spiritual. Life is a race that we must run with endurance and persistence.
Hebrews 12:1 commands us to take off and lay aside anything that is causing weight. So why is this a commandment and not a suggestion? We are called to remove anything in our lives that is prominent, bulky, and protuberating because it is designed to derail us or thwart us from the race.
What is besetting you? What is weighing you down spiritually? What unnecessary weight are you carrying? What are you hoarding spiritually? The weight of offense? Denial? Procrastination? Doubt? Rage? Unforgiveness? Shame? Regret? Despair? Rejection? Poor self-esteem?
Well, I have good news for you today--you are called to run (in victory) and not carry (hoard)!
"Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]."--I Peter 5:7
Throw your cares at the feet of Jesus so that you can run and win! I'm not suggesting living in denial, but rather acknowledging the weight and giving it to the Lord. In so doing, He will give your the wisdom and grace needed to continue moving and experience victory.
Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, we pray for those who are carrying besetting weight--weight that has encompassed, overwhelmed, and hindered the ability to progress. The besetting weight of hurt, rejection, trauma, neglect, indifference, pessimism, irresponsibility, addictions, and laziness. We renounce those weights now. We cast them at your feet because we know, believe, and accept by faith that you care for us with deep affection and compassion. We pray for your strength, guidance, direction, grace, and mercy as we endeavor to run with purpose--pursuing victory and anticipating triumph. Amen, and so be it according to your Word.
Hebrews 12:1 commands us to take off and lay aside anything that is causing weight. So why is this a commandment and not a suggestion? We are called to remove anything in our lives that is prominent, bulky, and protuberating because it is designed to derail us or thwart us from the race.
What is besetting you? What is weighing you down spiritually? What unnecessary weight are you carrying? What are you hoarding spiritually? The weight of offense? Denial? Procrastination? Doubt? Rage? Unforgiveness? Shame? Regret? Despair? Rejection? Poor self-esteem?
Well, I have good news for you today--you are called to run (in victory) and not carry (hoard)!
"Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]."--I Peter 5:7
Throw your cares at the feet of Jesus so that you can run and win! I'm not suggesting living in denial, but rather acknowledging the weight and giving it to the Lord. In so doing, He will give your the wisdom and grace needed to continue moving and experience victory.
Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, we pray for those who are carrying besetting weight--weight that has encompassed, overwhelmed, and hindered the ability to progress. The besetting weight of hurt, rejection, trauma, neglect, indifference, pessimism, irresponsibility, addictions, and laziness. We renounce those weights now. We cast them at your feet because we know, believe, and accept by faith that you care for us with deep affection and compassion. We pray for your strength, guidance, direction, grace, and mercy as we endeavor to run with purpose--pursuing victory and anticipating triumph. Amen, and so be it according to your Word.
