Victory LapSample

Lay Aside Every Weight

In our own lives, we encounter these "weights” on our shoulders that hinder us from pushing forward or slows us down from doing what we have to do. It could be procrastination, people, excuses, relationships, sin, and even things that seem to be good but stop us from becoming the person God has created and called us to be. Imagine a runner at the starting line of the race wearing a 100 lb dumbbell strapped to their leg, it would be impossible for them to run the race because of the weight that is holding them down. But the Bible tells us to throw it off. Throw off and lay aside everything and the sin that we are so easily attached to that keeps our eyes off of Jesus.

For some of us while running our own race we get into the habit of looking at our opponents, the other runners on our left, on our right, and sometimes behind us. We compare ourselves to other people wondering why they are at a certain level in life and we are not, failing to realize that God has set each and every one of us on our own path. We must stay in our lane, not look to our left, right, or behind us, (Remember Lot’s wife? Pillar of salt - Yikes) but fix our eyes on Jesus. We even question why our race is long. But we have to remember that this journey is a marathon and not a sprint. Philippians 3:13-14 the Apostle Paul says, “Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me.” We must run our race with endurance, perseverance, and with God, trusting that he will see us through and lead us to victory. This however takes effort, intentionality, dedication, and discipline. We must prepare and be ready for the marathon that is ahead of us. During our race, there will be obstacles, hurdles, challenges, and pain. It won't be easy but there is a God who gives us strength and will carry us to the finish line. What are some challenges you face in your race today that are preventing you from moving forward?

As you pray, thank God that he is with you every step of the way and ask him to give you the grace to lay aside every weight in your life that is preventing you from fulfilling your God given purpose.