Throw Everything Off and Run!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
-Hebrews 12:1

This passage in Hebrews 12 follows after what is known as the “hall of faith” chapter. In this chapter, many of the OT saints and NT saints are mentioned for their faith, as well as many down through the ages who remained unnamed. So many believers have gone before us to show us the way, to build up our most holy faith, to spur us on in our “good works” for Christ. How wonderful that our Father did not leave us to ourselves to live out this crucified life, but provided us with countless and myriads of faithful believers to whom we can look for encouragement and strength!

As I read this verse, many things strike me, the first being that we are “surrounded.” We are encompassed by a heavenly cheerleading section! They are thrusting us forward through their testimonies which still speak down through the centuries. I feel like David when he said that such things were simply to high and lofty for him to understand.

Paul is counseling us here. He is encouraging us to 1) throw off anything and everything that hinders us. What is it that hinders your walk with the Lord? Is there a relationship in your life that is causing you to be distracted from your devotion to God and His will for your life? Is there a career that is taking so much of your time that you cannot pursue Him as you want or need to?

Hindrances, as we see from this passage, are a separate issue that sins. Hindrances may not be sinful necessarily. They are just distractions, detours on the path God has already marked out for us. Isn’t it awesome and amazing that God has ALREADY marked out a path for our lives? I am reminded of a marathon or triatholon where the little flags or other markers show the runner the way to go. It has already been mapped out ahead of time. This is just like our path or journey with Him. He has it prepared! He has it marked out! Our part is to seek which path we are to take and simple follow it. Follow Him! He has already gone ahead of us and forged the way!

We are admonished to “throw off” hindrances and sins. This is a rather violent reaction. We cannot be passive about these things. We must actively seek to “throw” them off and out of our lives. Is there a wound you are carrying in your heart from your broken past? Is there a place so deep from childhood, a fear, an insecurity, a habit, that is so engrained that you cannot escape it? Do whatever is necessary for healing in this area. Seek wise and godly Christian counseling. Let the Lord shine His light of hope and love on whatever darkness you may have within. When it is exposed, that is half of the battle my dear friends!

Habitual sin is an area that will ensnare and entangle our lives so that we will not run the race we were destined for. Jesus came to set the captive free. He came to bring us liberty. True repentance of sin of any kind involves a turning away and a forsaking of that sin, whether it be pornography or other sexual addiction, gambling addiction, adultery or fornication, gluttony, lying, etc. We must confess these things kept in darkness to one another and to God. We must bring them into His light so He can then heal us.

It is painful to get UNsnared and Untangled sometimes. The thorns that have wrapped around us for years may prick, pull and rip at our flesh as we pull them off. The pain is real, but once we are free, we can run that race Unhindered and with a pure heart before God.

Be encouraged, my brothers and sisters. The race He has for you is not the RAT race of this world. It is not filled with heavy burdens which we put on ourselves. It is not filled with yokes of our own making. God's race involves divinely resting in His goodness, His love, His provision, His protection, and His grace. Although the path with God is not the "easy" road and it is true you will endure hardships and persecution, God's grace will be sufficient and your joy in Him will remain when you know that you are in His perfect will for your life.

You are not on your own! Don't believe the deist or agnostic lie of a far-away and distant God somewhere up in the sky who set the world in motion and left you to do it all. He is beside you and with you by the power of His Spirit every step! We also have a “great cloud” surrounding us and angels to minister to us as well. Accept it now by faith! Begin to walk by faith and take your place in Hebrews 11, in the hall of faith. Run your destined path for God and do all of His will!

Heavenly Father, I pray for all your people reading this today. I pray they will receive your wisdom and revelation from your Word for their lives. May we do as Paul admonished us to and be free to serve you and the world you love and died for. I love you, Lord Jesus, Amen.