January 19, 2012 - Hebrews 12:1

“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 that is marked before us.” Hebrews 12:1.
One time, I heard a speaker say that when you see a “therefore” at the beginning of a verse, you should ask what it’s there for. In this verse, the writer of Hebrews is making a transition from giving many examples of the “great crowd of witnesses” that have gone before to the encouragement of the reader to take action steps and to live out their faith. In looking at the examples of the faithful who went before, the writer states that “by faith” each person was moved to some action. In the verse above, the reader (or listener) is encouraged to show their faith through the actions of one’s life. They are told to throw off the negative and to run with perseverance the race set before us. These are actions that are called for.
There have been times in my journey when I was stuck in the “paralysis of analysis” and in naval-gazing. I would get so introspective that it would render me unwilling and unable to move forward. I have also had times when besetting sins have clouded over my vision and have kept me from moving forward. In every case, it wasn’t until I chose to start moving forward in a deliberate manner that I actually would begin to break free of those things that hinder and entangle me. My faith expressed by my actions is what begins to set me free. I don’t necessarily feel like it, but it is essential that I make that choice. It is by faith that I act; that I do something and start moving once again.
Questions to consider: Have you ever experienced the “paralysis of analysis”? What was that like for you, and how did you break free of it? What steps of faith has G0d spoken to you about, and what actions do you need to do, as a result?
Prayer: Father, it is amazing to look back through history to the many people who expressed their step of faith by their actions done. Help me to embrace and follow through with the actions that You have for me to do. Amen.