Let Go

             
Let Go:  to stop holding or gripping (something or someone)





Thought for the Day:  Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.  Hebrews 12:1-2

     Ever been a runner or jogger?  Once upon a time long, long ago, I jogged.  It was part of my daily routine to stay in shape and maintain my ice cream habit!  Each time I tied up those sneakers and began to run I would often ask myself what in the world are you doing?  But by mile 3 or so, the endorphins would kick in resulting in that euphoric feeling that comes from hitting the pavement and sweating.  But if questioned on how much extra baggage would a runner strap on before beginning their quota, the answer would probably be none.  Why?  Because extra weight bogs down a runner.  This visual picture from Hebrews serves as a reminder of those jogging days adding a valuable lesson; we have spectators watching as we lace up and jog!  
     Hebrews continues “… let us also lay aside every weight”  What does that mean?  Simply stated, we are in the race of life.  Whether you are a jogger now or a has been like me, we continue (maybe at a slower pace, but vital participants in God’s eyes!) moving forward.  I don’t know any jogger who would enter a race carrying extra clothing, water bottles or protein bars.  In order to be a worthy contributor bringing glory to our Lord, believers need to lay aside all extra weight that will bog down your ability to thrive in the race.
     The “sin which clings so closely” is whatever stands between you and God.  Webster defines sin with these descriptions:

• an offense against religious or moral law
• an action that is or is felt to be highly reprehensible
• an often serious shortcoming  
• transgression of the law of God
• a vitiated state of human nature in which the self is estranged from God

     If you are a non-believer you probably just took a deep breath.  You are now assuming the majority of these definitions, as well as this entire devotional, does not apply to you.  After all, Christians are the ones concerned about an offense against religious or moral law, a transgression of the law of God, and estrangement from God.  These facts have nothing to do with you.  You are a good person, living a good life, doing good things for others!
.  However, the Bible does state in Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Believer and non-believer stand side-by-side, maybe in different lanes, but in the same race and we’re lined up at the same starting point.  We are all sinners looking for victory, peace, contentment and the answers to life.
     Call out to Jesus and ask him to answer the questions that are probably popping left and right into your mind right now.  Jesus supplies endurance to the finish line;  He brings hydration (living water), he brings protein (the Bread of Life) and he lifts through forgiveness all sin (extra baggage) ever committed.  Not only will Jesus erase our baggage of sin, doubt and confusion as we learn to trust and obey in him, but he will carry us when we become weary and worn all the way to the finish line.
     My friend let go of whatever it is that is holding you hostage to a belief that Jesus Christ cannot possibly be the Messiah.  He is.  Pray and ask him to show you.  He’s not hiding, he’s in full view and he’s waiting for you.  

Thank you Jesus for each day and the ability you give, regardless of our age, to endure the race of life set out before us.  May we live each day as it is our last and never disappoint others as they examine, study, or scrutinize our lives.  We pray we will be worthy.  In Your Name, I pray, Amen!

---