Listen to this devotion
The Race — Hindrances
In the Word
… 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 … (Hebrews 12:1b).
Of the Word
Runners are often seen with a running belt or an armband that holds all their essential items: water, house keys, phone. Without a belt or armband, a runner’s hands would get full, and full hands would become a hindrance in running the race.
Our hands — and hearts — also become full if we carry around hurts, fears, and unforgiving attitudes. Sin weighs us down. It is hard to run the race of faith with all of that burden clinging to us.
But John tells us the Good News, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Forgiven through the blood of Jesus Christ on the cross, our sin-filled hands are empty. Nothing weighs us down. Nothing holds us back. We are now ready to run the race of faith!
Walking with my Lord
Merciful God, thank You for the forgiveness of sins through Your Son, Jesus Christ. With the help of the Holy Spirit, enable me to confess my sins and finish the race of faith with nothing weighing me down. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Mustard Seed: The Race of Faith. Author: Amanda Stacy, DCE. 21/28 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40196
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
