“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Hebrews 13:1-3
Imagine running a race with a backpack loaded with bricks.
Do you suppose it might slow you down just a bit?
I have seen, and you probably have too, runners who routinely will prepare for a race by adding weight either on their back or sometimes on their ankles.
That is great for training but unwise on race day.
The writer of Hebrews admonishes us to throw off everything that hinders us in the race.
Sound advice, wouldn’t you agree?
Still, we sometimes carry many burdens and many hindrances on our back and in our lives as we attempt to run the race.
Our perception of God is often some of that weight.
Instead of recognizing His love and encouragement as we run the race we instead accuse Him of tripping us or intentionally sabotaging our efforts.
God allows trials in our lives but He is not cheering on our defeat.
He expects that through the tests and trials we will call out to Him and know Him as our strength, that strength we need to persevere.
So today, throw off that weight that accuses God of
indifference at best or being your adversary at worst.
Instead, understand that God is your coach, your trainer and the one who most wants to see you successfully finish the race!
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