19 October | Youth
«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.» Hebrews 12:1
It is exceedingly difficult to run with a burden on your back. To continue in the race of Christian life, it is necessary to leave aside all the weight of sin. Some try to live carrying a burden of guilt, condemnation and suicidal thoughts. Others drag broken relationships, conflict with parents, sexual abuse, bitterness. They carry the weight of guilt. There are so many burdens: fornication, addictions, lust, pride. These weights make everyone fall behind. They take away the best that God has for us. In Hebrews, Paul says that we must leave behind everything that hinders us in the race.
Some think they cannot do it, that they have gone too far. But God can take the mess of your past and use it for His glory. That is what Jesus does! Leave all sin at the foot of the cross. There is nothing that God asks you to set aside that is not for your good.
My dream is to see a generation rising that loves to obey God. This generation will turn the world upside down. You can start here and now. Not later on. The biggest fear I have is seeing that some young people are so busy making a living that they end up losing the most important race in existence, which is right in front of them.
I know that many young people dream of doing remarkable things for God. But what are you doing today? There is no way to accomplish anything for God tomorrow if you are not doing anything now. Start here and now. Do not despise small beginnings. The goal of the Christian life is not fame or fortune, it is not to have thousands of followers, it is not to be a celebrity. The Christian’s goal is faithfulness. It is persevering. It is committing to the race that He left for us. Otherwise, we will keep saying: “One day… when… if…”
Today's fidelity is a steppingstone to tomorrow's. Some are so obsessed with the future that they do nothing in the present. This is an affront to God! You have to leave everything aside and keep running, looking to Jesus! I do not worry where I will be tomorrow, as long as I am looking at Jesus. It all starts in the heart. Motivation is especially important to God.