Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.   Hebrews 12:1‭-‬2

The USA Olympic team recently participated in the 2016 Summer Olympics held in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. I guess you could say that the United States won this event  with 121 medals. Romulus, I couldn’t help but remember this verse from Hebrews 1. In front of millions of spectators comma perhaps even billions watching on television or via streaming , each competitor Kama having prepared for years, took his or her place at the starting line or at the starting point. Each had the best equipment and uniforms that their country could afford. Stepped up for the performance of a lifetime. Yeah I noticed something, no one wore their training vest are there leg weights. Even something as light as a jacket or an outer shirt was shed, in order to enhance its competitors performance! Each competitor took their mark and did their best. Some failed to advance to even the second level, while others won gold medals, recognizing them as the top contender in the world. All were prepared, all were focused , all brought their best to the Olympic Games. Call Charity common goal  and dream  –  to come home with an Olympic medal!

The writer of Hebrews tells us that we too compete in front of a large group of spectators – those people listed in Hebrews 11. Hebrews also tells us that we should lay aside every weight – every sin – every distraction that would take our focus away from the goal. Just like the Olympic relay team athletes, each of us take the Baton and one hour leg of the race. Just like the Olympians, we share a common goal. Only in our case, our eyes should be fixed on Jesus , the originator – the Author – and the first leg Runner of our race. Jesus is our common prize and we can ALL win this race!

Today ask God to help you identify those things that weigh you down: sin, and the pursuit of our own interests at the expense of God’s Kingdom- are those things that we generally get weighed down with and should shuck off.

Finish the race that Jesus began. He is seated at the right hand of the father watching you run – Him proud!

Think about it!