Seized to Be An Unentangled Runner

Key Verse

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 (NIV)

Short Reflection

In thinking about the unentangled runner, I was reminded of my first six months playing softball here in our community at the young age of 75. I was plagued by hamstring pulls and other muscle aches that hindered my ability to reach even first base. Then our physical therapist taught me some valuable stretches.  Now I run with more freedom.

We live our lives with weights and the sin that cling so closely to us that we are hobbled in our faith journey. The great cloud of witnesses in Hebrews 11 had weights as well –  public opinion, security and safety, unfulfilled promises, position and status, threats of their enemies, and severe suffering.

These weights are not the sin.  The sin which is spoken of in Hebrews is the sin of unbelief. In the Old Testament, most never entered the Promised Land because of unbelief. The Hebrews started the race of faith well but were ready to give up due to their unbelief in God’s Word.

The only way you can avoid being immobilized by these weights and run with more freedom is by keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus, even to the cross. Then Jesus will start to live in and through you (Galatians 2:20). You will be able to do all things because of His strength. (Philippians 4:13) You will not hobble in the race. You will run, unentangled.

Jesus has seized you to be an unentangled runner!

This is the first in the “Seized to Be An Unentangled Runner” series of blog posts and is a special submission from Ken Lloyd, a PEER Servants volunteer serving on Team Zambia.