Shed the Weight [and Run Like the Wind]

Gold Brush Stroke

running the raceThis morning as I was wondering how I could persevere in my attempts to follow what I believe is God’s calling in my life, discouragement jumped on my shoulder.

“You can’t do this!” she hissed in my ear. “You’ve already failed. Time is running out rapidly , and you won’t be ready.”

In despair I reached for my Bible—having neglected my devotions—too busy, you know! It opened to Hebrews chapter 12.

“Let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies before us, …” (Hebrews 12:1, emphasis mine).

Normally “run with endurance” snags my attention. This morning, in a fog-filled state brought on by a series of short sleep nights, God bolded the first part of it instead: “let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us.”

I’ve read this verse dozens of times. I have it underlined and starred in my Bible.

But what I’ve failed to realize in the past is that I can’t fulfill the last part—I can’t endure—without addressing the first part first: To run this race, to endure to the end, I must first lay aside the weight and sin that slows me down.

Marathon runners don’t carry a backpack filled with rocks when they run (unless they enjoy pain or are in special training). They don the lightest shoes and clothes they can find for a race. They get rid of all the excess baggage.

So. They. Can. Finish!

We, too, can finish.

And we can finish strong—but only if we ditch the rocks.

So today, let’s give it a try … together. Slide off the heavy backpack, hand it to Jesus, and just run!

You will finish. You will endure. I know it!

“… keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.” (Hebrews 12:2)

Share in the Discussion: What are the rocks in your life you need to ditch? Does concern about finances drag you down? Are there health concerns? Marital problems? Prodigal children issues? Go ahead, lighten your load, hand that weighty bag to Jesus. Find the freedom in Christ to run like the wind!

And let me know how I can pray for you.

Know that I am blessed by your visits and value your comments. If you find my writings encouraging, please share them with others by clicking one of the buttons below.

By His Grace,

Julie

2 Comments

  1. Paddy Druhl on June 7, 2012 at 9:52 am

    Oh, Julie. you don’t know how much I needed to be reminded that i needed to let go of the rocks that we weighing me down. Just came from our church conference this weekend and of course the issue of homosexuality came up. I end up feeling just pushed down. I have to agree with the word of God. that is where I am, I have friends on the other side. I love them, but I just can’t go on the liberal side of life. I am not a people hater but I end up feeling that is how some perceive me. It is an ugly path, I just need to drop the rocks and move on. thanks for letting me write my thoughts.

    • juliesunne on June 7, 2012 at 11:04 pm

      I’m so grateful my words ministered to you, Paddy. Sometimes life can get … well … heavy. It’s difficult to feel free and let your light shine for Christ when hunched over and just trying to remain standing. It is difficult when those you love are living and believing a lie. Standing on the truth of the Word of God always leads to persecution: after all it resulted in the death of Jesus. But hopefully it also leads us closer to the Lord.
      I am praying the Spirit will guide you in effectively ministering to your church friends in truth and love, that they will see the heart of Jesus reflected in yours, and that God will shield you from the enemies’ arrows.

Leave a Comment





Julie Sunne

Hello, I'm Julie, an imperfect wife and mother of four. Life in this broken world is not always easy. Yet, joy can be found in each day through the grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I find it's easy for our day's blessings to get lost in its happenings. But God's "mercies never end" (Lamentations 3:22) and His "grace is sufficient" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

May the posts and pages on this site offer you a measure of peace and encouragement.

Search the Blog

Categories

25 spotlight bible verses
Maintain Godly Focus!

Are you struggling to maintain godly focus in the mess of each day's living? Do you too easily find yourself worrying about circumstances instead of trusting in God's promises? If you answered yes, why not download my ebook. It's filled with 25 power verses with space for personal reflection to help you maintain godly focus, no matter what situations arise.

(Privacy policy: Don't worry, your information is safe you can unsubscribe at any time.)

Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.

New Book, Just Released!

Sometimes I Forget by Julie Sunne