Throw Off Every Weight
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. (Hebrews 12:1)
Moses chose greater wealth by looking to the reward. Hebrews urges us to follow his example by throwing off every weight that hinders our race.
“Don’t worry! Be happy!” Although they were catchy lyrics to a popular song in 1988, it is much easier said than done. As a stay a home mom of three little ladies, such a carefree attitude would not work. If I don’t worry about laundry, we will show up to church on Sunday in last week’s clothes. If I don’t worry about grocery shopping then my growing girls will be “starving,” or so they think.
I enjoy running the in the Gate River Run, I have run the race many times. One thing predictable about Florida weather is – it’s unpredictable. At the start of the race, the weather can be a chilly 50 degrees, and by the end the temperature can feel like a hot summer day. I have learned to dress in layers, and it’s ok to throw clothes off to the side of the road. At first casting clothing off on the side of the road felt very weird. I didn’t want to litter. Sometimes, I would even hang onto my clothing as long as I could because I didn’t want to part with them. However, the longer I would hang onto extra clothing, the more energy and effort it would take for me to just keep running…ultimately bogging me down.
And that’s the point of Hebrews 12:1, we can’t find true freedom until we throw off our earthly weights and run towards a heavenly purpose.
Maybe you are like me, holding onto your weights because it’s scary to let them go. The weights are familiar. They are comfortable. However, when we cast off our weights, we begin to see God’s heavenly purpose more clearly. Casting off the things that hinder sounds easy, like “Don’t worry! Be Happy!” Easy to say, hard to do. But, with God’s help, anything is possible! Letting go of financial weights to invest in the Overflow Initiative frees us to run unencumbered toward the eternal prize—and helps the next generation run freely too.
Reflection:
- What “extra layers” or weights (financial fears, materialism, comfort) is God asking you to throw off right now?
- Imagine what it would be like to live freely, trusting God and His provisions as we embark on fixing our eyes upward, and not worry about the earthly things that weigh us down.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You endured the cross for the joy set before You. Help us throw off every weight and sin that clings so closely. Free us from worry and earthly attachments so we can run with endurance the race You’ve marked out for us. As we give toward the Overflow Initiative, lighten our load and fill us with heavenly joy. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Vision Night:
Join us for Vision Night on Wednesday, February 18th at 6:30 PM in the Worship Center, where we’ll share about the heart and vision of the Overflow Initiative. This is a great opportunity to hear details and ask questions. Creekside Kids will be available for children’s programming. Everyone is welcome!