Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Hebrews 12:1NKJV

Since COVID-19 has attacked our nation and the world, I awake to a dark cloud. My life is sunny and joyous. Birds sing and flowers bloom, but I can’t help but feel something weighing us down.

I’m not part of those who are vulnerable to the virus. My speaking engagements and book signings have all been canceled, but my husband’s job is secure for now. I miss church and find myself living like a hermit once again. The way I lived before Iva, my guide dog and best friend, came along.

I’m not a doctor or nurse fighting this invisible enemy on the front lines, watching people die alone. Taking their own lives because of the incredible weight of working on the battlefields in our hospitals.

I’m not separated from family due to isolation. We still have toilet paper and food. But still a dark cloud seems to loom over us. I find it difficult to focus on writing my next book. My energy level has tanked. Does anyone else feel this way?

The author of Hebrews knew Christians would grow weary, not from COVID-19, but from trials and persecution. All part of the race of faith. We must shed the excess weight and sin that slows us down. He reminds us that angels are cheering us on from the sidelines, and Jesus is running the race beside us, just like a good coach. Shouting words of encouragement.

He encourages us to pursue peace with everyone and holiness. People watch us. Discouragement can cause us to snap. We can resent the difficulties God has allowed in our lives. No, God isn’t the source of this virus or death, but nothing can happen in a Christian’s life that isn’t Father-filtered (Job 1:8-12). We cannot allow a root of bitterness to emerge. A bitter root bears bitter fruit.

The writer of Hebrews gives us Esau as an example. Esau allowed his flesh to consume his soul. He gave away his birthright for a pot of stew to curb his appetite. Esau could never undo his actions. Thankfully, God is faithful to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness, when we repent (1 John 1:9).

Darkness might have settled. Fear might have taken hold of us. Worry might have controlled us, but today is our opportunity to turn it around. The world needs our encouragement, and we cannot offer it to them when we aren’t feeling it ourselves. Let’s show them the love of God. Let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus. Let’s give them a smile or some social media encouragement. The virus is daunting enough. Let’s start spreading joy and peace. Like a candle in a dark room, flooding every crevice with it’s light. Let’s give these gifts to a lost and dying world.

Lord, help us shake off the excess weight and sin that prevents us from running with endurance. Help us shine as a bright light in a dark world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DIG DEEPER

Read Hebrews 12:12-17.

HIKING THE TRAIL

Faith is not a feeling. Our faith must overcome feelings of despair and distress. It helps to limit the negativity by turning off the TV, changing our conversations to something positive, and reading our Bibles.

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Originally posted on April 20, 2020 @ 3:00 am