Throw It Off!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3, NIV




I keep hearing this passage and just love how God brings richer meaning to it every time I hear it. Usually, I think about Mer being in that great cloud of witnesses and that makes me smile. I don’t know if she is really witnessing what is going on down here, but I like to think she can still get a glimpse of me from time to time. This passage also prompts me to search my heart for any sin that is entangling me. But, this time my eyes and heart were focused on “let us throw off everything that hinders.” Sometimes these hindrances can be just as heavy as sin. Often times our hindrances are not because of bad choices or a lapse in judgment. They can be an old relationship, a past feeling or a previous pain. I have been challenged to throw off one of my hindrances that comes back over and over again. When I look at it using logic, I know it isn’t really that bad or powerful. But, emotionally, it drags me back to my past, back to my old life and it is just plain frustrating. Isn’t it interesting how when you truly commit to moving forward and starting over, your old junk comes back to get you? Can you in fact “throw off” this junk even though it continuously shows back up trying to drag you backwards? God’s word says “YES!” How—by fixing our eyes on Jesus. I believe this to be true. When I truly focus on Jesus and what He has for me, my biggest hindrance does fall away. It loses its power and control over my life. I walk freely. I’m especially thankful that God reminded me of this. The world’s heartaches and frustrations are only speed bumps along the way and they are meant to be looked at in the rear view mirror.