Overcoming Obstacles

Hebrews 12:1

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…

I ran track in high school and I have to confess I hated it. Track season started outdoors in late winter when Chicago was blustery. I could not take the focus off how cold I was long enough to train properly. One thing that particularly distracted me was the cold air blowing in my ears. I knew there was an invention called "the hat" but I was fifteen years old and winter hats were not cool.

Now, over twenty years later, I run with the wisdom that comes from age and the common sense of being an adult. I sometimes regret that I gave up so easily as a teen and focused on the negative instead of fighting my obstacles and living up to my potential. Instead I was a very average runner and by the end of my first season had earned an "I Hate To Run" award from my coach.

The high school track was not the only place, though, that a willingness to give up caused me to miss opportunities. When I look at my life, I see situations where fear, anger, bitterness, or other sins got in my way of doing the right thing. The author of Hebrews speaks of this in chapter 12. The original text says that sin deftly and cleverly clings to and entangles us. Satan cleverly twists small things to appear insurmountable. I am deceived into thinking that my problems are bigger than God can help me handle.

The reformer Martin Luther commented on this verse, saying that we should "manfully" struggle against the obstacles in our lives that seek to bring us down. This applies to all of us, both men and women, for the dictionary defines manfully as “having or showing boldness, courage, or strength.” We are not to cower or submit in the face of obstacles but to show bravery and confidence when they confront us. Basically, both men and women, we need to Man Up!

When I was in track, I could apologize to my coach and teammates for giving in, but I couldn't stop there. I had to change my ways. Similarly, when we confess our sins and weaknesses before God, He graciously forgives them, but calls us to turn away from them, to repent and fervently fight off that which cleverly seeks to cling to us. Only then can we "run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence,” both on the track and off. Let's go to Him now for that power.

Heavenly Father, we are not alone in our fight. You are always with us, and we thank You for that. Through Your Holy Spirit, encourage us to fight that which is in our way. Help us to not just submit when we feel weak but to know that You are all sufficient as a power within us. Through Your provision, let us run with joy, focusing on finishing strong. In Jesus’ name we pray, AMEN.