God Has Not Forgotten You: When Life Is Turned Upside Downಮಾದರಿ

Laying Aside Every Weight

When running a marathon, or any other competitive race, runners normally wear sleek uniforms and lightweight shoes designed to take advantage of aerodynamics and quicken their pace. They also endure strenuous physical training to help them reach their maximum potential and their goal of finishing—or better yet, winning—the races set before them. But can you imagine a world-class runner competing in a race with weights attached to his wrists and ankles? It would be safe to say that he wouldn’t have a chance at winning. He might not even make it to the finish line.

First Corinthians 9:24 says, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.” Consider your current challenges. Think of them as the race that is set before you. Are you spiritually fit to run? Or is depression, fear, anger, worry, or doubt weighing you down? Rather than allow these to hinder you, why not view them as obstacles or hurdles on a track?

Start your training by talking to God about everything that is holding you back and by consuming the right spiritual food—the Word of God. Fill up on His promises; draw from His strength. Then trust Him to help you leap over every hurdle you face. With God’s help, you can overcome your greatest obstacles as you push toward the finish line of the current circumstances. Lay aside every weight, therefore, and run to win!

Taking back your life

1. Psalm 121:1-3 says, “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved.” What encouragement can you find in this Scripture for overcoming your greatest obstacles?
2. Make a list of those obstacles that are weighing you down, such as depression, fear, anger, worry, or doubt. God’s promises for overcoming each one can be found in the Bible. Find all the Scripture promises you can for overcoming each one. Here are some promises to get you started:

Depression: Psalm 147:3

Fear: 2 Timothy 1:7

Discouragement: Philippians 1:6

Worry: Isaiah 26:3

Doubt: Psalm 18:30

Confusion: Proverbs 3:5-6

1. Look at the promises you’ve listed. Pray these and the promises listed above back to God according to your needs, and then trust Him daily to help you overcome, referring often to His promises.