Throw off the weight

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us." Hebrews 12:1 BSB

After running nearly 25 miles of arduous trails over the course of two days as part of the Dogwood Challenge in Dogwood Canyon Nature Park last weekend, I became keenly aware that the already damaged big toenail on my left foot was most likely going to cause me problems on the Bad Dawg 100 mile race I had coming up Saturday. So rather than waiting to see if my intuition was correct, I opted to do something not for the faint of heart. I soaked the toenail and then removed it myself yesterday. And while that may seem like an extreme measure for many people, I have learned from experience that something as small as a sore toenail can greatly encumber or restrict a runner from finishing a race; especially a long, hard and taxing one and, therefore, must be taken off. 

And you know, the same is true of the race that God has "set out" for each and every one of us. In order to complete it, we must "throw off every encumbrance" or thing that might hinder our ability to run with endurance and make it to the finish line. That means we must rid ourselves of those things that are burdensome and useless like ungodly friendships, relationships, habits, activities and addictions that serve to encumber or weigh us down. Think about it... when long-distance runners step up to the start line, they dress as light as possible and carry only what they need. Why? Because doing otherwise will either slow them down or cause them to quit prematurely under the burden.

So I would encourage you to look at your life today my friend. Find those things that might be keeping you from running the race with all your might and then throw them off. You'll be so glad you did. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that it's impossible for us to run our race with endurance when we are weighed down by those things that hinder us from running as we should. Help us to recognize those things Lord and no matter how painful it might be, help us to throw them off. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

I Will Run - Misty Edwards