by Gail Grippin

Created on: October 23, 2008

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, 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, looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Heb 12.1-2

Air Assault school is one of the most physically challenging schools the army has to offer. It is eleven days of grueling physical exercises and tests that would, and has caused many a man and woman to give in and give up. The last day of school is perhaps one of the most difficult. It's a 20 mile road march. Well, more like a road run. Dressed in complete uniform, boots, helmet, belt, with poncho, canteen, ammo patches and suspenders attached, carrying an M16 rifle, and let's not forget the 22 pound ruck sack on one's back. I remember clearly being in the back of the pack, going as fast as I could, considering I was weighed down with all this excess stuff. And behind me were the pace setters. Each step I took felt like I had concrete feet. I could barely lift them. But I wanted to finish. Not be first, just finish. And as long as I finished before them, I would pass the course. Do you know how difficult it is to run 20 miles? It's not an easy task even for those who train every day. Then add the extra weight, the pressure of keeping ahead and it's easy to see why so many don't finish the race, while others don't even start. As I ran to keep ahead, my concentration kept turning to the two men behind me. And every time I would turn back to look at them, they would yell at me to turn around and run. They barked at me to concentrate on the course and stop looking back and losing precious time. So, as much as I wanted to look back, as much as I kept thinking about the extra weight I was carrying and asking myself why and how I even got myself into this, I looked forward, and finished the race. I kept thinking about the end, the finish line. I could see it in my mind and I pictured myself there, stepping across the line. Across the finish line, I threw all the excess equipment off of my weary and worn body. Suddenly, I felt like I would float like a balloon filled with helium. That excess weight had taken its toll on me. As difficult as the course was, I know it would have been easier to finish without all those extra pounds I was carrying. However, carrying it was mandatory in order to pass.

Thank Jesus that life isn't that way. Sure, He tells us to run with endurance the race set before us. But He also tells us to let us lay aside every weight and sin that snares us. Ever been weighed down by sin? Ever been wearied with worry? I know in my own lifetime that carrying around unnecessary excess sin and shame can tire one out more quickly than anything else. While Jesus invites us to cast all our cares on Him, we continue to try to carry them ourselves. We pack them up, throw them over our shoulder and move forward slowly, hating every step, wanting to quit; becoming more and more discouraged. Beloved, Jesus is not the one behind us barking orders. Rather He is the One beside us saying "Drop the ruck sack and run. I'll carry this stuff for you. And as I lay down the extra weight and He picks it up, I feel the weight of the world off my shoulders and each step feels lighter, like helium. And as He runs, He grabs my hand and pulls me toward the finish line. Together we finish! That's the race Jesus wants us to run. He'll finish the race with me, and for me. And at the end, He will pat me on the back and say "Well done, good and faithful servant." Aint God good?!

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