Hebrews 12:1
Hebrews 12:1
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
The weight of a 20 lb. sandbag is great for physical training, but what about running our spiritual races with the burden of sin on our shoulders? Not nearly as productive or helpful! The weight you carry today might not be sand, but a mixture of regrets, anxiety, and worry. Or maybe you're struggling under the burden of unforgiveness, resentment, and fear. Or perhaps you’re carrying around lust, greed, and pride. Regardless of the specifics, our sins weigh heavily on our souls when we fail to confess and bring them to the Lord. As Christians, we have confidence that the Lord is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us. Why don't we just pass it over to Him rather than stumbling around sweating and struggling? This verse urges us as believers to “lay aside every weight” so that we can “run with endurance.” Repent! Put those weights down! Run with endurance, like the “cloud of witnesses” did that have gone before us. Christ's completed work on the cross destroyed all the weights we still try to carry. Let's run the race set before us with patience and endurance. When we look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, we know we're on the right track.
Psalms 37:24
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
John 15:16
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
Habakkuk 2:3
For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
1 Peter 2:7
Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,