September 17, 2020

Sep 17, 2020    Kyler Cryder

This Bible verse in Hebrews has me thinking lately, what distractions do I have in my life? What is hindering my ability to focus on Jesus?

“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.” (Hebrews 12:1)

There is a race “marked out’ for you that you are urged to ‘run with perseverance” (v.1). In this race, you have great encouragement. You are “surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses” (v.1). These are the men and women of faith. This great cloud of witnesses also includes our congregation at Helmar.

Running this race is not without difficulty and challenges. There are things that can trip you up along the way: “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles” (v.1).

Imagine playing basketball in a winter coat: you take a shot for the basket, and you realize the coat is hindering your arms from using your full range of motion. This is an analogy for getting rid not only of sin, but also other distractions that will deter our focus from Jesus.

The key to running the race successfully is to “fix our eyes on Jesus” (v.2). Where an athlete looks is key to their success. Great athletes keep their eyes fixed on the finish line.

I encourage you to do a quick self-evaluation of your life and note the distractions you may have. Make a commitment to eliminate some distractions, and spend that time on God’s Word or a daily devotion. Stay focused!

If you were to let your life be taken over by what is urgent, you might very well never get around to what is essential. GOD IS ESSENTIAL!

-Kyler Cryder