Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Hebrews 12:1-2a
Whether you are driving a car, walking, running, or jogging, one thing is very clear; we will go in the direction we are looking. For example, if you are jogging and staring at a beautiful home that you are passing, you will inevitably start moving toward that house. We learn this lesson very quickly as to avoid running into a tree or walking toward a stranger's house! The truth of the matter is that what we focus on will ultimately become our destination. This is also true for us mentally and spiritually. We will move in the direction of the things that we focus on and surround ourselves with, whether positive or negative.
Throughout Scripture, we can read about the importance of where we choose to focus. The book of Hebrews says it like this, "Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us" (Hebrews 12:1). In other words, we have to let go of all of the things that weigh us down, including our worry. Worry certainly holds us back as we seek to run our race for Christ. How do we do this? The writer of Hebrews went on to say, "We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith" (verse 2). How do we find freedom from the wheel of worry that can spin around in our minds? We choose to focus on Christ and the things of Christ. As we do this, we will move in the direction of Him rather than the worries that can weigh us down.
Are you burdened and weighed down by your worries today? Maybe you need the reminder to "keep your eyes on Jesus." As you do this, you will inevitably move in His direction. As your gaze becomes focused on Christ, you will find it quite difficult to focus on your worries.
Our question today is, "Where are we looking?" What things are we setting our eyes on? Pull out your journal and think about this question and answer honestly. Where are you looking? Are you looking to things of the world and focusing on your worries, or are you focusing on the things of God? How can you shift your gaze so that you are moving towards Christ and the things of Him?
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.
And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said,
“My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline,
and don’t give up when he corrects you.
For the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”
As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?
For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.
