Swimming laps in pantyhose was a real drag.
According to my swim coach that was the point: create drag and build endurance. The intended result was speed on race day—when we swam without pantyhose. Modern runners do the same thing by adding body weight for practice runs. During competition, runners sprint through the course free of the burdensome weights.
Scripture reminds us we are not alone in our struggles. Others have experienced many of the same challenges. Hebrews chapter eleven shares a long list of those who overcame sin and adversity to run a race of purpose and obedience. Hebrews twelve reveals how their faithfulness encourages us to get ready for race day by dropping the weights of distraction and sin and focusing on the task at hand.
While our races may take different routes—and each of us will experience a variety of turns and obstacles—we are all called to lay aside the things that hold us back from running the race to completion. Some of our resources can create drag. Resources that consume our time, energy, and money. Things that if dropped would create opportunity for something more meaningful. When we shed the weight of distraction and sin, we may find that those former burdens have prepared us to dodge other obstacles along the way.
Whatever challenge you face, take courage that a great cloud of witnesses has overcome similar obstacles and crossed the finish line in victory.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Teresa Janzen writes from her sub-Saharan office in East Africa to readers around the globe. With more than 20 years non-profit administration and fund development experience, she shares stories, compelling people to action and service of the world’s most vulnerable populations. As an oral Bible study teacher, Teresa leads inductive Bible studies for oral preferred learners and helps teachers bring content to life through the power of story.