In Touch - Jan. 29, 2007

January 29, 2007

Getting Your Life Back on Course

Hebrews 12:1-3

Do you ever feel as if your life has gone a bit off course? Maybe you were making your way just fine when, all of a sudden, you weren’t sure which way to turn. 

Sometimes, all of us face circumstances when our spiritual sense of direction seems unclear. Fortunately, though, Hebrews 12:1-3 lays out a clear plan for getting back on track after we’ve made some missteps.

First, we’re to “lay aside every encumbrance.” Here, encumbrance literally means “weight.” In other words, we should remove anything from our life that weights us down. Stress, guilt, fear, shame, and regret are just a few of the burdens that can break our backs as we strive to move forward in the Lord. We’ll simply never go far when we’re dragging around unneeded baggage.

Second, we’re to lay aside “sin which so easily entangles us.” Have you ever felt powerless because of your sin? It grows like a wild vine when left unattended. Sin may start small, but unless it’s rooted out early, it can completely overtake you.

Third, we are to “run with endurance the race that is set before us.” This means we should stay focused. If we fall, we must stand up and carry on.  With the determination of an Olympic athlete, we press on with our eyes on the goal, despite the obstacles and distractions.      

Even when we feel lost, we can be sure God has a specific plan for our lives. He knows where we’ve been, He knows where we are, and He knows where we’re going.  The course has been set before us, and Jesus stands waiting at the finish line.