CONNECTING POINT: Overcoming Obstacles

You may have noticed the 2024 Summer Olympic Games are underway. This tradition dates back approximately 3,000 years to the Peloponnese in Ancient Greece. This year, there are 45 sporting events with more than 200 representatives from various nations. Go, Team USA!

Writers in the New Testament often used illustrations or themes associated with Olympic events, and they understood the relevance closely associated with Christian life. Over the past few weeks, I’ve dedicated this column to examining Hebrews 12 in-depth, “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” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

We are challenged to “throw off” anything that hinders our race; this may include those things that are sinful or even other things that are cumbersome. Numerous Olympic contestants go to lengths to cut weight. I’ve heard that dedicated runners may even weigh their shoelaces. Swimmers will shave their bodies and wear specially designed swimsuits to reduce friction in the water. This is the idea presented in Hebrews 12: to follow Jesus, we must learn the practice of “throwing off” those things that hold us back.

In ancient Greek, “race” is the word "agona;" Paul utilizes this often (Philippians 1:30, Colossians 2:1, 1 Thessalonians 2:2, 1 Timothy 6:12, 2 Timothy 4:7) describing conflict or struggle. We must keep in mind that the Christian journey is going to be filled with various obstacles. In English, the word “agony” is derived from the Greek agona. Sometimes people assume incorrectly that following Jesus will be easy when in fact that’s not what the Bible portrays, obstacles are direct evidence that you are walking in God’s will.

Pastor and author Kyle Idleman points to Nehemiah, who took on the task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem after the city was decimated. Kyle makes two points regarding Nehemiah’s actions. One, he embraced the obstacles. Nehemiah refrained from running away from or ignoring the challenges but directly stayed on task. Two, Nehemiah learned to pray through the obstacles by including praise, rather than complaining about the obstacles, including those who tried to thwart rebuilding efforts he chooses to praise God and press forward. Such action involved perseverance and faith.

What are some obstacles that hinder you in following Jesus? You may face pressures from friends or even family members that bring about discouragement. Maybe finances are overwhelming, and it seems you can never get ahead. Are you facing some health issues that are concerning? I’m not suggesting that God will wipe your slate clean or that the obstacles will go away. Hebrews and other scriptures encourage you to stay the course, run your race, and fix your eyes on Jesus. Kyle says, “Remember at the point you’re about to quit, is likely the turning point in your rebuilding effort.”

We all have days when life presents challenges and we find ourselves weak, the nagging feeling to quit becomes a heavy weight on our minds. In those moments, we need to take a breath, be encouraged in God’s Word, and set aside time to praise and lift our prayers to God.

Let me present a challenge to you. Nehemiah and his team took 52 days to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. What would spending 52 days of dedicated time seeking the Lord be like? Run your race and start by praising God.