Imagine trying to run a race while carrying a concrete block. The bulkiness and extra weight would slow you down. It would take a lot of extra energy to carry the block. There’s no benefit to the block; it only makes the race more difficult.

Now, think of life. What concrete blocks are you trying to carry?

It may be…

• Past mistakes.
• Old grudges.
• Unresolved guilt.
• Disappointments.
• Bitterness.
• Regret.

These are heavy “blocks” that make running life’s race more difficult, and the Lord invites us to put them down.

• Jesus says, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
• Paul writes, “…but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead…” (Philippians 3:13).

The longer we carry unnecessary burdens, the more difficult it becomes to move forward. They’re heavy. They zap our energy quickly, so today may be the day to put them down.

Hebrews 12:1 encourages, “…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.”

Honestly, this could take courage. Perhaps you’ve carried the extra burden for so long that life will feel completely different without it. Different can be scary, but trust God with the “blocks.” You weren’t meant to carry them forever. Handing off the weight to the Lord will enable you to renew your strength.

Try laying them down today, and finish the race strong.

Thanks for reading.