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.
HEBREWS 12:1
If we are going to run our race in life, if we want to fulfill our destiny and do God’s will, it is important that we lay aside every weight and sin and run the race with patience. In the days this verse was written, runners conditioned their bodies for a race just as we do today. But at the time of the race, they stripped off their clothing except for a loincloth, so that when they ran there would be nothing to hinder them. They also oiled their bodies with fine oils.
In our Christian life, we are called to remove anything that hinders us from running the race that God has set before us. It is essential to be well oiled, or anointed, with the Holy Spirit (often symbolized by oil) if we are going to win our race.
The devil has many ways to entangle us and prevent us from living in obedience to God’s Word, developing an intimate relationship with Him.
Activation
There are many distractions and requirements on our time. But with God’s guidance, we can strip away the things that will hinder us.
Prayers
Keep our eyes on your goal and learn to say “no” to things that distract us and keep us from fulfilling
our full potential. Help me to be determined that nothing is going to hinder me from fulfilling Your plan and purpose for my life.
Scriptures
Ephesians 4:22
to put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;
Ephesians 4:25
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another.
Philippians 1:30
since you are encountering the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.