Strip Off The Weight, Part II
Thursday, August 22
Strip Off The Weight, Part II
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. Hebrews 12:1
Recently I began to do some deep cleaning in my home. Going through old items, donating or just tossing what no longer fits. As we threw things away, gave things away, and sold a few things, it was such a good feeling! It reminded me of our scripture for today, which says, to ‘strip off every weight that holds us down.’ We often don’t realize what we are holding on to which weighs us down. It can be possessions or ungodly habits or behaviors. Sin is a serious hindrance in our race of faith. It entangles and trips us up, making it difficult to move forward. We get very comfortable holding on to them. It can seem easier to just leave them alone rather than to address them and get rid of things. However, as we begin to face things with God and get rid of the unnecessary things, we start to realize how much it was really weighing us down and how much freer we feel when we have released these things.
The good news is that through Jesus, we have the power to overcome sin. Confession and repentance are essential parts of our spiritual race. When we acknowledge our sins and turn from them, we experience God’s forgiveness and cleansing. This allows us to run with freedom and renewed strength. Reflect on any sins that may be entangling you right now. Confess them to God and ask for His help in overcoming them.
Sin can entangle and trip us up in our race. If there is something that has been nagging at you, I suggest you take it to the Lord in prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you look at your life and ask Him to reveal anything that is weighing you down. Remember, He is faithful to cleanse us and set us on the right path again.
Prayer for today: Merciful God, we confess our sins and ask for Your forgiveness. Help us to overcome the sins that so easily entangle us and to walk in righteousness. Amen.