Shed the Weight [and Run Like the Wind]

This 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.

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