“I can’t believe I did this to myself again!”
I say this every January when I step on the scale. I’m sure you can guess what happened because you may do the same thing as me.
As soon as the weather starts indicating that Autumn is on the way, I start baking. I love to bake and give it to others as gifts. Baking isn’t the problem of course. The problem is that I SAMPLE most of what I bake.
Another problem is that I start to AVOID THE SCALE. I know those pounds are coming on, but I don’t want to face the issue. I continue to carry on with life, ignoring the problem.
Here’s the thing, I’m actually quite aware of the problem and it’s bothering me. It bothers me when my pants are getting tight. It bothers me when I look in the mirror. And it bothers me when I go out for my jog. I feel slower and sluggish—like I am carrying an extra load. Well, that’s because I am, for goodness sake!
You know what? I noticed a connection between the extra weight physically and spiritually. Take a look at Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT
“. . .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. We do this by Keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. . .”
Physically I was feeling sluggish and having difficulty in my “race.” It also made matters worse that I was avoiding the issue. I think we do the same thing in our spiritual race.
Is there something hindering you or slowing you down in your relationship with God? Have you been ignoring the hindrance altogether?
In the words of Dr. Phil, “How’s that workin’ for ya?”
Remember in my last blog I talked about staying motivated?
It’s hard to stay motivated to continue a workout if you are sabotaging yourself in some way.
Spiritually speaking, sin sabotages our progress and saps our motivation.
Hebrews 12:1-2 says to “strip off” those things that trip us up. Next it says, “we do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus.”
Remember we are not in this race alone. God is for us. Not against us. He knows when there is a hindrance and He wants to help.
Here’s our part:
- Admit the hindrance rather than avoiding it (Talk to God).
- “Strip off” the thing that trips you up (Give it to God).
- Stay in the race by keeping your eyes on Jesus.
Here’s what God will do after you do your part:
Isaiah 40:31 NLT
“For those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”
Sounds like a good deal to me!
