…let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Heb 12:1 (NLT)
God has created you on purpose for purpose, and that purpose isn’t for you to stumble around in the dark in a never-ending struggle…
Physically speaking, it’s hard to run a race with endurance, and enjoy it, when you’re weighed down and struggling to breathe. You wouldn’t attempt a marathon if you’re unfit and didn’t have the appropriate gear. Many of us live our lives like this spiritually. We don’t attend to the fitness or health of our souls, and in doing so we can easily become weighed down in such a way that it affects our ability to live with hope and purpose.
At the onset of a new year, I always make ridiculous goals for myself. Usually based on how disappointed I am with my performances of the year before… things like, “run 20 miles a day, never eat chocolate, never fight with the husband, never yell at the kids, write that novel in the space of a week, volunteer more, be more, do more… ”
Some of these goals are great, a lot of them are unrealistic, and not too far into the year, I give up on most of them. I cling to the baggage and failure of last year and succumb to the idea that “it’s always going to be this way…”
But don’t give up – progress, not perfection, should ultimately be our goal. Allow yourself the journey. Life is a marathon not a 50m sprint race. If you keep at your goals and move forward bit by bit, day by day, your fitness will increase, the weight will drop, and you’ll find your stride.
Does progress take discipline? Yes. Is it hard work? Yes. Does it hurt? At times. Just like getting physically fit, getting our heart and spirit fit for life requires some dedication and attention – but it pays off.
But you gotta strip off that weight – the baggage of poor decisions, heartache, failure… let it go. Don’t get distracted, but stay focused on the goal, keep your eyes on Jesus.
Take some advice from Taylor Swift and “shake it off…” Don’t continue to stumble around half-hearted and weighed down. The future awaits and I know God has beauty for you and your journey ahead. Give it all you’ve got.
Go to PART 2 >> “Run with Confidence”
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