Lose the weight

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, 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." Hebrews 12:1

When it comes to running and speed, there is a universal truth - excess weight carried significantly affects race times. In fact, in a new study by Runner's World, it was determined that even the weight of your shoes could impact your speed. And losing a few pounds they say could gain you a better time by as much as one percent for each pound lost. Practically speaking, that means if a 200-pound man loses 10 pounds (five percent), he should be able to race five percent faster. A half marathon in 2:00 becomes a 1:54. Wow! Shedding the weight is really smart then. Wouldn't you agree?

And when it comes to running our best spiritual race, the Bible also agrees that we should shed the excess when it tells us to, "strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up." And how do we do that? By ridding our lives of those things that continually drag us down-the addictions, habits, thoughts and actions that we know need to go yet we have kept hold of. Those 'things' are the weight that keep us from running "with endurance the race God has set before us."

A memorable Gatorade ad reads, "There is a moment in every race. A moment where you can either quit, fold, or say to yourself, 'I can do this." What will you decide today? To quit or fold because it's just too hard? Or will you press on, determined to strip off the weight of sin holding you down, and run to the finish line?

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that clearly tells us how we can reach the finish line. Help us Lord to identify those weights in our life that are keeping us from running our best race and to strip them off. And remind us that we are not alone in doing this. All the strength we need comes from You. Help us to run with endurance the race you have set before us. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. 

Happy Running!!!

Toby Mac - Lose myself
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o113pk2cC9I