A thought by Craig Groeschel from his book, Divine Direction: 7 Decisions That Will Change Your Life (p. 66). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)
Do you feel you have stalled out in living the story of your life? Is there something that you are doing that is holding you back, that is blocking your path?
The writer to the Hebrews in 12:1-2 (NASB) says, “Since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God”
Craig says, “What is the one thing that’s restricting you, hindering the story you want to tell? Lay it aside. One translation says, ‘throw it off.’”
He goes on, “This is a long race we’re in. You have to pace yourself. You can see the trail marked out ahead of you. You know what’s wrong. You know what you’re doing that’s not good. Seek help. Read a book. Seek God in a fast. Join a small group. Do whatever you need to do to stop it. And if that doesn’t help, try something else.
“Fix your eyes on Jesus. Give him the opportunity to write your story. Don’t be embarrassed to ask him for help. He wants to perfect your faith. This isn’t behavior modification; anyone can do that. What you need is spiritual transformation. You need to get clear of the clutter so you can hear from God. Then you need to listen. He’ll show you the things that are hindering your story.”
Craig then says, “Maybe you recognize something you’ve been doing that’s not good, and you’ve already tried to stop, but you found you couldn’t do it on your own. It’s true that you can’t, especially on your own. But I’m here to tell you that by the power of Christ, you can stop anything that he calls you to stop. If you follow Christ, then the same Spirit who raised him from the dead dwells within you!
“And he will give you the power to stop.”
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