It is the Little Things That Trip us Up

“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 NLT

In a heartwarming story titled “High school runner trips on hurdle and somersaults her way to gold” published yesterday, it was reported that a high school junior track runner used some quick thinking and skills from another sport to win gold during a state championship meet. MileSplit posted a video on Instagram of the 100m Hurdle champion race from the Oregon School Activities Association / OnPoint Community Credit Union State Track and Field Championship.Video shows Brooklyn Anderson take the lead but trip over the last hurdle and fall. Without hesitation, the athlete performs two somersaults to take her past the finish line and win the race. “All I remember is resorting back to my gymnastics career,”she told OSAA.org, adding that she wasn’t sure how far back everyone else was behind her. “I just knew to just keep rolling, because I wanted to get first.” According to OSAA.org, Anderson finished in 14.93 seconds.

And, you know, if there’s one thing certain about this race we call life, it’s that things can change in an instant. Like Anderson, we can be running well with our sights on the finish line and, in a moment of weakness, be tripped up by sin. Which is the very  reason Paul used the words “especially” and “easily” when admonishing us to “strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.” You see, when most people set out to avoid sinning, they look for the big things or hurdles that could cause them to trip and forget that most times it’s the little things—thoughts that aren’t taken captive, second glances at things our eyes should avoid, or compromising a ‘little’ here and there—that “easily”trip them up. Which is the very reason believers must never let their guards down, even for a moment. Think of it this way… as a seasoned trail runner, I will tell you that I’ve never been tripped up by a huge rock, boulder, or fallen tree in my path. I have, however, been “easily” tripped up by small ruts, rocks, and roots, especially when I took my eyes off the course.  

So, if you’ve been tripped up by sin, keep rolling my friend. Repent from your wrongdoing, brush yourself off, and continue running the race with endurance. You may feel the sting of your fall for a while, but God can and will restore all those who are truly sorry and seek forgiveness. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that being tripped up by sin doesn’t mean that we’re disqualified if we will turn from it and repent. Help us to understand that falls are inevitable Lord but that they can be greatly reduced by staying in the Word and keeping our eyes on You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!