Hebrews 12:1  “..throw off everything that hinders, sin that so easily entangles..:    (Message) “…strip down, start running – and never quit!

This is a scripture that reminds me to surrender; everything I am, everything I have, everything I desire and dream of – to His will.  I can either do this voluntarily, knowing that things in this life can so easily hinder and consume me; or, my Father (as he know the course of my race) will assist.  This process is never easy and can actually be very painful, but at the same time can be freeing and give life to my little seed faith.  

In my world, it seems like many of us are going through this process of “stripping down” to only what is necessary to run the race.  In the original Greek Olympics, runners sometimes literally ran naked so they would have no restistance, even though this was very humbling.  

If things, resources, relationships are being stripped away, willingly surrender them into God’s hands. He is at work! 

Hebrews 12:7  (Message)  “God is educating you; that’s why you must never drop out.”