Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. — Hebrews 12:1
I’ve been coming back to this verse a lot lately — and the idea of throwing off extra weight to more effectively run the race ahead. When I’ve read this in the past, I often conflated the idea of “every weight” with “sin.” But that’s not what the verse says! There are so many positive things that can hold us back.
For me, the weights are there when I go too broad. When I take on too many disparate tasks and priorities, leaving little time and energy to focus on moving forward. When I feel obligated to yes. And since this post is for a group of women, I know many of you can relate.
I encourage you to click over and read the full thing — because a weight I’m personally throwing off is the instinct to rewrite something someone else has already written well 😉. But at least let me encourage you with these words from her as you consider the weights in your own life:
Be careful not to conclude that every minute of free time or recreation is automatically a hindrance to your spiritual fruitfulness. God commanded rest, and many of us are dying for lack of it. If we’re not sure whether something in our lives qualifies as a hindrance, let’s ask Him! Let’s listen over the next few weeks as He speaks through His Word and through our circumstances. Let’s also be sensitive to a churning in our souls or a growing unrest or discomfort toward that particular thing. We’ll know. And when we do, let’s ask God for the strength to pitch it. One way we’ll know it was His will is that, even while we miss it, we’ll feel relieved.
Praying you all get the rest God calls you to this week — so you can do the work He has for you with joy!
Lay Aside the Weight
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. — Hebrews 12:1
I’ve been coming back to this verse a lot lately — and the idea of throwing off extra weight to more effectively run the race ahead. When I’ve read this in the past, I often conflated the idea of “every weight” with “sin.” But that’s not what the verse says! There are so many positive things that can hold us back.
For me, the weights are there when I go too broad. When I take on too many disparate tasks and priorities, leaving little time and energy to focus on moving forward. When I feel obligated to yes. And since this post is for a group of women, I know many of you can relate.
You know who can talk about this more brilliantly than I can? The inimitable Beth Moore, right here [LINK TO https://lifewaywomen.com/2014/05/20/beth-moore-article-draft/].
I encourage you to click over and read the full thing — because a weight I’m personally throwing off is the instinct to rewrite something someone else has already written well 😉. But at least let me encourage you with these words from her as you consider the weights in your own life:
Be careful not to conclude that every minute of free time or recreation is automatically a hindrance to your spiritual fruitfulness. God commanded rest, and many of us are dying for lack of it. If we’re not sure whether something in our lives qualifies as a hindrance, let’s ask Him! Let’s listen over the next few weeks as He speaks through His Word and through our circumstances. Let’s also be sensitive to a churning in our souls or a growing unrest or discomfort toward that particular thing. We’ll know. And when we do, let’s ask God for the strength to pitch it. One way we’ll know it was His will is that, even while we miss it, we’ll feel relieved.
Praying you all get the rest God calls you to this week — so you can do the work He has for you with joy!
Julie Smith