Lay Aside Weights and Cast Your Burdens

There are times when I get frustrated, aggravated, overwhelmed or have those moments of despair when things don't seem to be going quite right...at the same time I try not to waddle in it...Because I must and have to keep in mind the God I serve. He is the God who takes away through the power of the Holy Spirit every feeling of despair, frustration, aggravation, and so on. He doesn't want us to carry around such feelings that would hinder our faith in Him.

Feelings such as those are mere distractions. Distractions that can keep our eyes not fixed on Jesus. Now, don't get me wrong, we are entitled to have those feelings because after all, we are only human. However, just to waddle in it and stay in that place far away from God and not allowing the power of the Holy Spirit to destroy those feelings so that you can breakthrough and go forth in victory is another thing.

Hebrews 12:1 says, ".....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 looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith..." When it comes to being steadfast and immovable in our faith, there is no one else we should look to but Jesus. We look to Jesus (who sits on the right side of our Father interceding on our behalf) to give us the tools needed to endure when our faith is being tested.

The minute you take your eyes off of Jesus [because you were distracted by your feelings or situations], is the very minute the devil will try to use in order to sneak in and try to distort your faith in Christ Jesus. When the opportunity presents itself, the devil will try to devour you the very chance he gets.

6 Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you,

7 Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.

8 Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.
(1 Peter 5:6-8)

God has a plan for every one of us - a journey. However, there will be obstacles, trials, tribulations along the way. Even though they may trip us up and make us fall along the way, that does not mean we have to stay down for the count. We have a choice to get up, dust ourselves off, and keep going. No matter what is thrown your way...whether its financial problems....marital problems....problems on the job....problems with your child(ren)...car problems....etc....etc....etc...refuse to give up and not lose faith in our God and His plan for your life. Stay in God's word and keep the faith.

Let these scriptures encourage you in the spirit and increase your faith in Him.

"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth but you shall meditate in it day and night that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid nor be dismayed for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
(Joshua 1:8-9)

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11 - NIV)

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."
(Hebrews 11:6)

Lord, I pray that we will not grow weary in well doing. I pray through your Son, Jesus, that we refuse to let the cares of the world, our problems, our circumstances distract us from the author and finisher of our faith. That we will lay aside every weight and cast every burden so that we can endure and perservere on the journey that you have prepared beforehand on our behalf. In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray....Amen.


Blessings, Peace, and Faith be to you!!!
Toia