CONNECTING POINT: What Hinders You?

The Bible portrays Christian life as a long-distance race, and sprinting is a poor example due to its short time span. It seems to me that in the 80s, many of my proteges looked to sprinters as the “jocks,” but I recall that notion changing as long-distance runners started breaking the four-minute mile. Any long or short-distance, dedicated runner who trains hard is an amazing athlete. Soon, the Olympics will have our attention as records are shattered and the competition is formidable.

Because God intends the Christian’s journey to be a life commitment, the reality is that every “runner” gets weary or even tired. Kyle Idleman, in the “Don’t Give Up” series, partners with other individuals who have inspiring life stories. Kyle states, “Sometimes we just want somebody to feel sorry for us, but what we really need is someone to challenge us.”

This is the message found in Hebrews, Chapter 12. “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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:1-3).

The author of Hebrews addresses weary Christians under heavy persecution by Nero and his forces. Some historians describe the persecution as severe; records indicate that city streets were lit with the bodies of Christians put on stakes on fire as a gruesome display.

Here we find a two-part challenge to persevere, the message isn’t soft or a litany of reasons to garner sympathy. First, to “throw off everything that hinders,” which indicates laying aside something beyond reach where a person can’t get to it again. Second, to throw off “the sin that so easily entangles.” Things that hinder us may not always be “sin”; recognizing this distinction is vital. Indeed, sin is a problem, and we should never minimize it because it’s like a disease; sin is harmful. Our society twists this Biblical truth and passes off this lie.

On the other hand, hindrances can include a lack of faith, religious rules, shame about our past, and more. Possibly, one of the most common hindrances is anxiety. In Hebrews, the word “hinders” is a noun that means any weight. It’s important to understand anxiety can affect people differently, for some people this weight may be crushing and be part of a life-long pattern that is burdensome. For others, anxiety may be simply annoying, just a convenience at times that quickly passes.

Is there some “weight” you’ve been carrying, and you find yourself tired and weary? It’s ok to acknowledge your need. Often, we hide behind our smiles, fighting battles that are seldom seen by others. The Bible encourages us to consider Jesus; He knows pain and hardship to the most significant degree. In the verses following, hardship is seen as a positive form of discipline; think of this as training. “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11).

Don’t give up on your faith! Identify those hindrances and trust God’s timing.