Running Lightly

Opening Verse

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,” (Hebrews 12:1, KJV).

Introduction

In life, we often find ourselves in a race, not against others, but a personal journey towards achieving our spiritual and moral goals. The race is not always easy; it’s filled with hurdles, weights, and challenges that try to slow us down or veer us off our path.

Devotional Story

Imagine a young man named Marcus, who aspires to be a runner in a major marathon. He trains every day, pushing his limits, but he carries a heavy backpack filled with rocks, representing the weights in his life. These rocks are his doubts, fears, unhealthy habits, and past mistakes. Despite his determination, the backpack slows him down, making his training harder and his goal seem unreachable.

One day, his coach notices the struggle and advises Marcus to unpack the backpack, to examine each rock, and decide if it’s worth carrying. As Marcus starts to remove the rocks, one by one, he feels lighter, runs faster, and his confidence grows. The process isn’t easy; it requires honesty, forgiveness, and letting go of what holds him back. But as he sheds these weights, Marcus realizes that the race is not just about reaching the finish line; it’s about the journey, the growth, and the liberation from what we unnecessarily carry.

What This Means

The “weights” mentioned in Hebrews 12:1 can represent anything that hinders our spiritual growth and progress. These could be sins, negative thoughts, harmful relationships, or even distractions that consume our time and energy. Like Marcus, we are called to identify and let go of these burdens, not only to run our race effectively but to grow and mature in our faith.

Think About This

Consider the weights you’re carrying in your life. What are they? How do they affect your race? Reflect on the steps you can take to lighten your load, remembering that this process is a crucial part of your spiritual journey.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to identify and let go of the weights that slow me down in my spiritual race. Grant me the strength to overcome sins, negative habits, and anything that hinders my relationship with You. Help me to run with perseverance, focusing on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 Closing Verse

 “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2, KJV)