Getting Your Life Back on Course

Do you ever feel as if your life has gone a bit off course? Maybe you were
making your way just fine when, all of a sudden, you weren't sure which
way to turn.

Sometimes, all of us face circumstances when our spiritual sense of
direction seems unclear. Fortunately, though, Hebrews 12:1-3 lays out a
clear plan for getting back on track after we've made some missteps.

First, we're to "lay aside every encumbrance. " Here, encumbrance
literally means "weight." In other words, we should remove anything
from our life that weights us down. Stress, guilt, fear, shame, and
regret are just a few of the burdens that can break our backs as we
strive to move forward in the Lord. We'll simply never go far when
we're dragging around unneeded baggage.

Second, we're to lay aside "sin which so easily entangles us." Have you
ever felt powerless because of your sin? It grows like a wild vine when
left unattended. Sin may start small, but unless it's rooted out early,
it can completely overtake you.

Third, we are to "run with endurance the race that is set before us."
This means we should stay focused. If we fall, we must stand up and
carry on. With the determination of an Olympic athlete, we press on
with our eyes on the goal, despite the obstacles and distractions.

Even when we feel lost, we can be sure God has a specific plan for our lives. He
knows where we've been, He knows where we are, and He knows where we're
going. The course has been set before us, and Jesus stands waiting at
the finish line.