“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.”
Hebrews 12:1-2
There are many things in and around our Christian race that slow us down and hinder our progress in Christ—offenses, unforgiveness, jealousy, rivalry, greed, and so much more. Such are the works of the flesh that we must overcome each day. Ephesians 6:12 tells us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers in the spiritual realm. The devil can influence anyone who is not walking in the Spirit to trigger the flesh just to get you offended, angry, tempted, wounded, or bitter.
However, as a new creation in Christ, we no longer walk according to the flesh, for it is by God’s grace that His Spirit empowers us to walk in the ways of the Lord, loving one another unconditionally, just as Christ has loved us. So, whenever you feel the weight of sin and flesh trying to make you offended, angry, or hurt, strip it off immediately and look unto Jesus, who experienced everything we are currently experiencing; yet, He did not sin and overcame it all.
Jesus endured every hurt, pain, suffering and shame without retaliating, even to the point of death, for He left His case in the hands of the Father, who is righteous and just. Our difficult experiences are nothing compared to the pain that Christ Jesus paid for our freedom’s sake.
As you come to God in prayer, simply refocus your spiritual sight and magnify the love of God through Christ Jesus. Thank the Lord, who overcame all so that you could have this victory. Christ, who is in you, will empower you to overcome the world, just as He did!
