“You will run and not grow weary.”

Sometimes, like luggage lost in transit, we wonder where our motivation to run has gone.
And we think, “Lord, how can I continue?”

If you have experienced this in some area of your calling, hear God say:
“These are my gifts to you—faith, freedom, and determination. And no one can take these supplies from you.
You have neither lost your courage for the journey nor left it behind.
For I am right here—and my Spirit is within you.”

4 Supplies to Help You Run and Not Grow Weary

1. Freedom to Run

“Therefore 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…” (Heb 12:1b-2a, NKJV)

If you have been experiencing pressure lately, you are not alone! Receive a gift of faith to cast off that cloak of heaviness.

The enemy wants to turn our laid-down life into a weighed-down life.
But God’s invitation is, “Travel lighter, for I am calling you to run further.”

The writer to the Hebrews exhorts, “Let us lay aside every weight”.
And “to lay aside” could also be translated to cast off (Strong’s G659).

A runner may wear a jacket to the starting line, but before the race begins, that jacket must go! And just because that garment was given to you by someone else, does not mean you must wear it.

• Be free of expectations, to run where only you can go.

And run the race with endurance.

2. Strength to Overcome Sin

“…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…”

Sin may be a skillful opponent, but we have something far more significant—strength from God.
And the truth of His Word sets you free.

The Greek word translated “ensnares us” is a compound, meaning, “Well standing around that is (a competitor) thwarting (a racer) in every direction…skilfully surrounding.” (Strong’s G2319 )

It makes you think of those sports where an opponent tries to block your progress. And basketball and rugby are vivid examples of this!
Let’s take a moment to meditate on this because it’s the truth from God’s perspective: Sin is what opposes us, not what is inherently wrong with us.

• When you are born again, you are sanctified by Christ (1 Cor 6:11)

You can tell sin, “Get out of my way, for I am coming through.”
for you are about to run with endurance.

3. The Faith Stories of God’s Word

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…”

The Holy Spirit wants to make the word come alive to you!

And the “heroes of faith”, such as Abraham and Sarah, are not just cheering you on remotely. They are in Heaven, but they can also be found right here, in the “stadium” of the Word, which is living and active.

It’s like those “pop-up” books that we had as children—we turned the page and there were suddenly 3-dimensional scenes and characters!
It was as though they came alive.
And they caused amazement and wonder.

As Paul says in Romans 15:4 “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance…we might have hope” (Rom 15:4, AMP).

We can be spurred on to run by these forerunners of faith, their stories, and the lessons they share.

4. Jesus Who has Run Ahead

“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb 12:1-2, NKJV)

God’s Word is your compass, and Jesus is your due north—He is your destination. He says, “Pick up your compass, look and behold Me.”

The writer to the Hebrews is again referring to his conversation about faith—and reminds us that we have something that the “heroes of the faith” did not.
Jesus, who has now gone ahead of us.

So remove that heavy garment, and shove your contender, sin, out of the way. Now, fix your eyes upon Him.

Jesus said, “In the world, you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33b)
That means that in every trial you face, you can rest in this fact: Jesus has already overcome this—He has completed the race.
And you are running, with endurance, in the victory He has already won.

“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 NKJV)

A Prophetic Word from the Word
I love how the Holy Spirit can speak through a familiar Bible passage in a fresh way. I invite you to share your insights from Hebrews 12:1-2 in the comments below. Which point has spoken to you today?

Notes:
[1] For further study:
Paul also uses the analogy of the games in his writing. See 1 Cor 9:24-27, 2 Tim 2:5, 2 Tim 4:7-8.
(He speaks of it so vividly, I wonder whether he saw an event)

Related Post: God Says, “I Am Giving You Power To Stay on Track”

14 Years of Enliven Blog

Enliven Blog has its 14th birthday this week! When I began blogging, I didn’t know how I could write for a month, let alone 14 years. It’s only by the grace of God that we are here!
I want to pause and say thank you, to our partners and our readers.
I especially wish to thank my husband Malcolm, who patiently endures those long nights (like right now!) when I’m working on the blog.

My team members Karen Stuckey and  Sue Guthrie, who work alongside me. And Prophet David and Margaret McCracken, who had the vision and courage to bring me into their ministry team over 12 years ago. My board, including Lynley Allan, my pastors, and all who have contributed along the way.

Thank you for inspiring me, speaking into my life, and leading by example.
All glory to Jesus for His grace.

With our love and thanks,
Helen (and Malcolm) Calder

Partnership Links: if you would like to contribute to this ministry
Partner donation page for donation options and ministry information
PayPal.Me/EnlivenBlog for a simple way to give

Prophetic Journaling: Create Your Treasury of Insights from God

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Sign up for the course, with an introductory price of $19.95 (until 4th August) here, or see all courses, including the Prophetic School here.

I invite you to join my brand-new course: “Prophetic Journaling with Activation.”

Here, you will find my best tips, with downloadable templates to help you begin.
Throughout this course, you will:

• Identify the ways journaling will help you develop your prophetic gift
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© 2023 Helen Calder, Enliven Blog

Enliven Ministries: Prophetic ministry for a revival generation

Helen Calder

Helen Calder is a prophetic minister and writer, and founder of Enliven Ministries. Helen has a unique gift of equipping in prophetic ministry and prayer. She is known for Enliven Blog (est. 2009), an online resource that reaches thousands of people globally.