Get Rid Of the Non-Essentials

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1

In the days of the Roman Empire, Olympic runners practiced with heavy weights strapped to their bodies. But on the day of the race all the weights were stripped from them; hence we are told in Scripture, ‘ Let us lay aside every weight…and let us run.’ When Elijah passed by, Elisha was busy plowing. This was Elisha’s moment of opportunity. He could become a prophet and enjoy twice the success of his new mentor. But first he had to be willing to break his plow and sacrifice his yoke of oxen. His plow and oxen represented the financial security he was willing to walk away from in order to fulfil God’s plan for his life. Think for a moment about your dream, and everything that will result from it. If you’re like most people, what comes to mind are the benefits you’ll receive, the places you’ll go, the people you’ll meet, the things you’ll own, and the position or title you’ll earn. Do you notice anything in particular about that list? It outlines all the things that will be added to you, and none of the things you’ll have to give up in order to achieve it. And your greatest challenge won’t be giving up the obvious things you know will hurt you; it’ll be giving up the good things you like but won’t help you. Removing the non-essentials from your daily routine will be a constant struggle, but it’s worth fighting for. Why? Because most people who fail to reach their destination aren’t stopped because of insurmountable barriers, but because they’re worn out trying to carry too many things on their journey.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me put off the things I am carrying that prevent me from doing the “main things” You would have me do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen