Stripping Every Weight!

When I read this scripture recently, it was not for the first time. I have read it in various translations, such as NIV, NKJV, KJV. This NLT translation really popped at me and grabbed my attention like I had never read it before! “Let us strip off every weight that slows us down”. WOW! What a visual this gives me which makes the scripture even more enlightening! What images come to mind when you read this?? I had several.

• A track star wears weights during his walking miles because they strengthen his legs. Then he loosens them and throws them off. His legs feel light and strong, and he begins the long distance run.

A person wanting to lose physical weight feels so much better and successful as each pound is removed. It can be a long journey to take but well worth it as he/she sheds each pound which has been weighing him/her down.

Sometimes our emotions and minds feel the “weight” of problematic issues and stress, and when resolved, we feel “lighter”; that a weight has been lifted off of our shoulders.

Anyone a “Friends” TV show fan? My first thought after reading this verse was about the episode where Joey and his best pal, Chandler, were mad at each other, with one trying to outdo the other. Joey comes into the apartment wearing every one of Chandler’s clothes. Yes, he looked like the Hulk, and I”m sure those clothes must have been heavy. But I immediately thought of Joey having to strip off every layer or every weight because they were slowing him down.

These are only a few of the kinds of “weights” that slow us down.

Just think about this verse and this translation. There are so many issues/obstacles in our lives which are slowing us down from running this race in which God has directed us. They can be as insurmountable as COVID19 or social justice issues across our nation or as insurmountable as not having enough food to eat or not having a friend to talk with. Each are insurmountable for those persons because of their perspectives. But that's not the point - the point is we all have those obstacles and need God, and God needs us!

He set up a life; a journey; a path for each and every one of us. So if He set it up, don’t we think He will support us and help us along the way?? He gives us the opportunity to have a relationship with Him; yes, Him, the Creator of ALL! And He wants a day-to-day relationship with you and me! But we can’t do that effectively if we are slowed down by all that we are carrying within and without us. These things that slow us down are the things that keep our eyes and mind on ourselves and not on God.

We must talk to God about stripping off the weights which slow us down; yes, the sin that trips us up. I have to ask God for forgiveness and His help every day to get beyond the sin and whatever else the enemy throws at me. Years ago, I used to think that once I rebuked the enemy about something, it would not show up again. Well, enemy ALERT! LOL, it DOES!!! Even if we all have to rebuke the enemy several times a day, do it! God hears us and so does the enemy. That enemy doesn’t want us praising God or talking to God because that takes our focus off of him (enemy)!

You just keep stripping off that weight; that burden - one ounce at a time/one day at a time - and begin to walk/run the route that God has set up for you. He has amazing things to teach you and show you. Regardless of your chronological age, your stage in life (student or senior citizen) or your past, God is not through with you! He created you for purpose - You are the person for the job!d Let Him show you!

Here is the acronym He gave me for the word STRIP:

S = shape

T = the

R = rest of your life

I = in

P = possibilities

Shape The Rest of your life In Possibilities!

Begin STRIPPING those weights off right NOW! And begin shaping the rest of your life in possibilities.

Thanks for stopping by,

Rachel