The Power Of A Transformed Life Part 6
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. Hebrews 12:1 -3 (NKJV)
Are you bound, depressed, tormented? The power of God is still the same. Don’t give up the fight. There are times in our lives and in our journey with Christ that we become weary and are faced with trials. There is much encouragement from the people who have gone before us.
24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NKJV)
Paul encourages us to run with a goal in mind, run the race of faith and run with determination. This walk of life can be perceived as a race, we need to prepare ourselves for every step and even during beating our lives into subjection. Don’t faint and you will finish with a crown (James 1:12). Be encouraged therefore for you will reap if you do not faint along the way. Keep on keeping on. Sometimes during our Christian walk, we can get discouraged when suddenly, and sometimes not so suddenly, things happen. Don’t faint. Remain focused and lay aside every weight that discourages.
Weight #1 – Religious Obligations
Life becomes weighty when we do things merely because we feel duty bound; the fire is not there when this is the case. Our love and desire for Jesus should the reason for our every action. Religion is when we feel we need to come to church every Sunday because this is what is expected of us rather than attending church because of our desire for God, to get closer to Him.
Weight # 2 – Procrastination
Make a decision to lay this weight aside. Get into action, delaying something that is important sooner or later becomes a sin of disobedience. God knows what is best for our lives and it is in our best interest to follow through. Don’t miss times when God prompts you, nudges you to take action on something. You may be missing out on what God is calling you to do. Why procrastinate when you can live in the blessings of the level God is calling you to?
Weight # 3 – Your Past
The past is nonexistent when you become a child of God. We are free from the entanglement of past sins and trials (Micah 7:9). We can still make things right in our lives, we still have time. Why not let it go? Stop trying to find and relive the weights of your past. Your past is your past.
Weight # 4 – People
This could hinder your Christian journey. You have control over who you allow into your space. The same way you let people into your life, you can let them go. Negative people have no place in your life. They are very discouraging and they hinder you from moving forward. Are naysayers influencing you or are you influencing them? Remember the saying, ‘birds of a feather flock together”, so evaluate the company you keep. Who is doing the influencing in your life? We have great testimonies from people in the bible who make up a great cloud of witnesses such as Abraham, Noah, Enoch and Moses (Hebrews 11).
Martha welcomed Jesus into her home but was distracted with serving (Luke 10:38-42). Jesus then went on to remind us that service is a good thing but we shouldn’t be so consumed with it that we end up missing “THE WHO” we are serving. Jesus encourages us to draw closer to Him. Don’t put God on a bench during the game of life. Lay aside these weights so that you can run the race faster and with much endurance.
Weight # 5 – Human Encouragement
This just isn’t enough. It takes a supernatural power to encourage us and to keep us keeping on amidst those accusations, trials, challenges and situations which may come.
When Jesus is finished with us, there will be nothing broken. If Jesus endured the cross, we can endure the journey. Remember, do not give up. We will only reap if we don’t faint on the journey or come to a complete stop. God is not finished with you yet, He is about to do something in your life. The Lord chastens whom He loves (Hebrews 12:5-11). The process of transformation is heavy and Jesus is prepared to work with and on us to bring us out as gold. He is the author and the finisher of our faith and the power of a transformed life can only be found in Him.
