Finding Freedom to Run the Race of Faith
Have you ever tried running while carrying something heavy? Maybe it was a backpack, groceries, or even just a handful of items. You likely felt slower, weighed down, and less free to move. In Hebrews 12:1-2, we are encouraged to apply this same principle to our spiritual lives—letting go of what holds us back so we can move forward with purpose and joy.
What Are “Weights” in Life?
The passage talks about laying aside “weights” and sin. Think of these weights as anything in your life that slows you down or distracts you from focusing on what truly matters. They aren’t always bad things—they could be worries, habits, relationships, or even goals that pull you away from fulfilling your purpose. Imagine trying to run a race while holding rocks; those weights represent life’s burdens that keep you tied to the ground when you’re meant to soar.
Sin, on the other hand, is like a trap that trips you up completely. It’s the actions or thoughts that cause harm, create distance between you and God, and make the race that much harder to run.
Why Should We Let Go?
The passage encourages us to “run with patience the race that is set before us.” Life is described as a race—not a sprint, but a marathon. To finish strong, we can’t afford to carry unnecessary baggage. God calls us to freedom, urging us to let go of anything that keeps us tied down to earthly distractions or prevents us from experiencing the full joy of living in harmony with Him.
The verse also points to Jesus as our example. He endured hardship, shame, and even death on the cross—but He didn’t let those things stop Him. Instead, He focused on the joy that awaited Him and the greater purpose He was fulfilling. By keeping our eyes on Him, we can find inspiration and strength to stay on course.
How Do We Let Go?
Here’s the good news: letting go doesn’t mean you have to do it all on your own. God invites us to rely on His strength and guidance. Here are a few practical steps to “lay aside every weight”:
· Self-reflection: Take some quiet time to identify what’s weighing you down. Is it fear? A grudge? Too many commitments?
· Prayer: Ask God to help you release these weights. Sometimes, simply saying, “I can’t carry this anymore; I give it to You,” can bring immense relief.
· Faith: Trust that God has a better plan for you, one that doesn’t require carrying those heavy burdens.
· Patience: The verse reminds us to run with patience. Change takes time, and that’s okay. Keep moving forward, little by little.
Freedom to Thrive
When you lay aside the weights in your life, you’ll notice a sense of freedom and clarity. You’ll be better equipped to listen to God’s voice and follow where He’s leading. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress and staying committed to the journey.
Remember, the call to let go isn’t a burden—it’s an invitation to live lighter, freer, and more fully in tune with God’s love. So, what are the weights you need to put down today? Take that step, and start running your race with renewed energy and focus.
Minister A Francine Green
July 2025
afrancinegreen.com 