Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Did you ever think that God lets you go through things just to teach you how to get out of trouble? Did you ever think that God lets you carry weights? Just lay aside every weight. Let us lay aside every weight to get closer to Him and finish this race.

Drop the weight that’s holding you down. Let go of the:

• Bitterness
• Careers
• Complacency
• Desire for carnal things that exceed your desire for God
• Fear
• Guilt
• Unrighteous Anger

These things are slowing you down!! They’re placing a major drag on your spiritual walk. And it’s ruining your influence on the world around you.

• A sad Christian doesn’t have any influence.
• A depressed Christian doesn’t have any influence.
• A complaining Christian doesn’t have any influence.
• A griping Christian doesn’t have any influence.
• A self righteous Christian doesn’t have any influence.

It’s time for us to get under the authority, and have a kind of relationship with God that says not my will, but Your will be done. I’m submitted to you, God. This is not a boring dry journey that’s mundane and too often full of despair. Once you get a hold of God and start walking according to the Spirit, you find out that John 15:11 is real: These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

This is journey of peace, a journey of joy, a journey of fulfillment, a journey of satisfaction, a journey of jubilation in the Holy Ghost. Being led by the Spirit of God. Being a witness to his power – watching him impact those around you. Maybe it’s time for us to dance a little bit and praise him to let him know that, God, we are depending on You. This is not a journey of religious traditions and rules you need to follow.

Engage God. Don’t be afraid. Sacrifice something, take some time to talk to Him every day. Really communicate. Pray, read the Bible. Just get a hold of God. And just watch what He does. Touch His throne as often as you can. Pray in the spirit. I challenge you to do it and see what God does. I believe He is a God that honors efforts to touch Him and that honors efforts to seek His face. al

Additional scripture verses: 2 Chronicles 7:14; Jeremiah 32:27; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:4