hindrance

The last few weeks, I've been talking about change. You probably don't need me to say it again, but it's a series my church is going through. Change is something I struggle with on a daily basis, so a series like this is bound to become ingrained in my mind. I think of nothing else through the week. Change. How can I do it? How can I use the message given this weekend and apply it to my life to bring about change?


This weekend Pastor spoke about Gideon. Gideon had to get past the way he viewed himself before God could use him in the way He had purposed. We can't continue until we see ourselves the way God sees us. He sees us as a masterpiece. I could camp here for awhile, but I've decided to wait and come back to this thought later. How do you get beyond yourself to see the big picture, the big purpose?


I was reading Hebrews 12 this morning. I read it when I need a boost. It's like a Biblical protein shake. I started thinking about God's overall purpose and how we each have a race we must run. Then I started thinking about how I personally hold up the race because I can't let go of the sin that slows me down and hinders my progress.


Then I continued to read:


"Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to Him, so that you don't become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin." Hebrews 12:3-4 NLT


Wow. I think my struggle is difficult. I give up on a daily basis, and have to start over again the next day. I complain that its all too hard, too difficult. Then I read this and realize my life is a piece of cake...with frosting on top. Why do I fight so hard against change? Why do I give up so easily each day only to start over? Why can't I strive harder? Why can't I push more?


It's because I can't see the big picture. I lose focus and train my eyes on the small things and forget about the race, forget about my purpose. Don't be blind to it. Each day is a struggle. Each day, you have to wake up and fight...well yourself, your sin nature. Look past it. Look beyond yourself. Focus on the race and the purpose He has for your life. Don't let the little things weigh you down and hinder you. Change. Get rid of them. They aren't worth it anyways.


"...'Once again I will shake not only the earth, but the heavens also.' This means that the things on earth will be shaken so that only eternal things will be left. Since we are receiving a Kingdom that cannot be destroyed, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping Him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a consuming fire." Hebrews 12: 26b-29