SOAP Devotional 2014-01-17
Scripture – Observation – Application – Prayer
Scripture:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. (Hebrews 12:1 NLT)
Observation:
Since we have seen how faith in God is in so many around us, those with “faith without”, “faith with”, and “faith through”, let's make sure we are counted among them. So each one of us, as an athlete running a race, let us get rid of everything that would hinder us from enduring to the end victoriously.
Application:
We have so many testimonies of those who have walk before us and around us who had faith in God. So we need to use that to inspire us rather than just pointing to them and saying, “Wow, they did good!” An athlete running a race does not run in heavy clothing or cowboy boots. He gets rid of everything that will slow him down and dresses to win. We, too, should get rid of anything that might hinder our walk or our witness. Especially, especially, the sin that so easily trips us up! We all have a sin that, as the KJV says, “easily beset us.” It would be our weakness when nothing else could phase us. This text does not talk about God removing it from us, instead it requires that we get rid of it. Rather than make excuses for your weakness, instead use the strength that God gave you and stop it.
Prayer:
Father, I thank you that through the scriptures and in my life you have surrounded me with a great crowd of witnesses that can testify to your saving grace both in the here and now and in eternity. Let me not deny or try to overlook my own weaknesses, but instead let me overcome my own weaknesses by the power of their testimonies and the strength you have given me through the Holy Spirit.