Hebrews 12:1, "...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." Proverbs 4:25-26, "Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you, make level paths for your feet and take ways that are firm."

Think

Any competitor in an endurance race will tell you that it's important to be as light as possible for the event. A marathon runner would not wear a sweatshirt. A cyclist would want to ride the lightest bike possible. A mountain climber scaling a high cliff would not carry any nonessential gear. In the same way, God encourages us to strip away EVERYTHING that keeps us from living a life that reflects and glorifies Him. An endurance race is hard enough when we're running light. But it's far harder and often impossible if we're trying to run while lugging around extra stuff. That is why we are told to throw off the weights of life that slow us down, especially the sins that ensnare us. One more thought: Even the most skilled runner needs coaching. You are no different. You're not always the best judge at identifying your weights and sins. So, where do you find these coaches? At church! When you make weekly church attendance a priority, you will stay in your lane and run a race that wins. Get involved and God will lead you to the coaches you need!

Act

Make two lists of those things that slow you down in running the race God wants you to run. The first list is anything that is not necessarily sinful, but still a weight that slows you down. Your second list is self-evident sin. Take your list and pray the prayer below.

Pray

Dear God, I know that these areas in my life (name each item on both lists) are slowing me down and, at times, stopping me altogether from running Your race. I choose today to lay them aside. Help me keep my eyes fixed on You. Amen.