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Time to Run Free  

Can you imagine trying to run a marathon while wearing a 40-pound backpack? How about a 100-meter dash while wearing heavy boots? How many jumping jacks could you do with 20-pound ankle weights attached to each leg?

There’s something to be said about stripping off unnecessary weight that slows us down. As a distance runner who especially enjoys running uphill (sadistic perhaps?), I know every ounce of extra weight makes a difference. Between experimenting with my ideal racing weight or searching for the lightest racing shoes money can buy, I’ve left very few stones unturned in the quest to run from start to finish in the shortest amount of time.

The writer of Hebrews also saw the value of stripping off unnecessary weight,

“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 NLT)

The same Greek word, euperistatos, is used for both “slows us down” and “so easily trips us up", and it’s the only verse in scripture where we see this word used. It literally refers to surrounding a competitor or thwarting a racer in every direction.

From our social media outlets and news networks, to the addictions we get caught in, we see attempts to hinder our progress in every direction. We’re hit physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Some of our extra baggage is a result of our own poor decisions and some of the burden has been loaded onto us by others without our permission.

Many of us don’t realize our full potential due to the hindrances we’ve grown used to over the years. These things continue to slow our progress when they don’t have to. With God’s help, we can break free from the things that slow us down. The first step to gaining this new freedom is found in the very next verse,

“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” (Hebrews 12:2 NLT)

If you’re sick and tired of trying to run this race of life while carrying unnecessary weight, it’s time to check your baggage at the feet of Jesus.

It’s time to run free.

“Father, thank You that in Jesus we can finally run free in every area of life. We ask that You break off the mindsets and hindrances that have slowed our progress and prevented us from running this race of life the way You intended for us. Help us become examples of achieving physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness. In the enduring name of Jesus we pray, Amen.”