Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses, surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance & the sin which so easily entangles us, & let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. (Heb. 12:1 NASB)
My grandpa was a minister & I was blessed with 3 other grandparents who also taught me about God. I was also blessed with many Christian examples in my life who have gone on to their reward. I often think about them cheering me on now as I go through struggles & victories. I think about grandpa watching me go through ministry telling me " hang in there, I went through that too." I look forward to talking to Him about it one day as he didn't & I didn't know I was going to do this when he went to heaven. He's also cheering on my cousins blog & my sisters Facebook page on keeping Christmas alive all year.
Today I want you to think of being in a race. The witnesses are cheering you on & you're running the race with a bunch of baggage & weights attached to you holding you back. They're telling you to get rid of those weights. When you learn to, suddenly the race gets easier & you start seeing what you can actually do when you're not dragging around all of that extra weight. Also in a race, sometimes you get tired but run with endurance. Don't give up!
So when the race gets hard, think about your witnesses. Family & friends cheering you on! Also think about Moses, David, Peter, & Paul, & others encouraging you forward. As Gods child, you are in their bloodline. They've all been through all of the stuff the world has to offer. They have received their reward. Now it's up to us to run our race. Throw off all of the fear, anger, hurt, disappointments, unforgiveness, etc. & run hard! Run the race to win it!
I've been reading my Pilgrim's Progress devotional book. I've just recently started it, so I haven't gotten very far, but last week I read about Pilgrim and Pliable being stuck in the Slough of Despond. When Pliable got out he turned and went back home because he had never been fully committed in the first place. He never had that burden on his back that he needed to get rid of. I feel like I've been under attack lately by Satan because I feel that i have been growing a lot more than I have in a long time, but a few times lately, I've thought about turning around and going back. It was much simpler. But I am FULLY committed and I'm going to keep going. Thanks for the encouragement!
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