We as Christians were not left in this dark world by accident. No! We were intentionally placed here on divine assignment from the Lord to run our race for His purpose and glory. We were made to overcome odds in a time like this and to shine a light on Christ.
When distractions and entanglements tempt us to give up our faith race, how should we respond? “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 12:1-2) The race you’re going to run in this life of faith is not a sprint; it’s a cross-country marathon. There will be hills, valleys, rough terrain, and obstacles. But, if you’re a believer, you’re not the first to struggle, and you won’t struggle alone. Others have run a similar race and still won, so this should inspire you. But how should you begin?
As the above Hebrews passage suggests, get rid of any weights slowing you down. Lay aside your burdens, especially sins which entangle you. Ask yourself, “What is weighing me down spiritually, and keeping me from who Jesus wants me to be?” It could be a sinful habit acting like a cancer in your spiritual life, draining your spiritual strength. You need to deal with that sin!
Maybe it’s bitterness over how you have been treated, or your unwillingness to forgive someone. Unforgiveness is a heavy weight; you can’t successfully run the Christian race carrying the weight of unforgiveness on your back!
Maybe it’s some friends who are dragging your down spiritually. If you associate and recreate with people whose ungodly habits constantly affect you, then as as long as you have active fellowship with them, you will never run the strongest Christian race. Maybe you need to re-prioritize your affiliation with anyone who draws you away spiritually, so you can run the race God has set out for you.
Maybe what’s dragging you down is idolatry: a love for something worldly that keeps you from really following Christ with all your heart. Jesus said you can’t serve two masters. You can’t run the Christian race well and run the race for this world at the same time. You need to pick which race is the most important for you.
We at LECC want to faithfully choose the Christian race of faith and recognize it must be run with endurance. It’s not a sprint, but a marathon to continue throughout life’s inevitable difficult trials. As the Hebrews passage suggests, we keep our eyes not on our circumstances, but on our champion—Jesus.
We’d like for you to join us, especially if you’re still at the start line, at 415987 Highway 9, Eufaula, for small group Bible study at 10 a.m., worship at 11 a.m., and Wednesday night all-age activities at 6:30 p.m.
You need to know that your starting gun has gone off: Jesus has been inviting you to get started and to start moving towards the finish line. Lay aside your burdens and sins. Let us start running. Look up and fix your eyes on the Savior.
God Bless You!
Jeremy Little, Minister
