Lay down EVERY burden!

Hebrews 12: 1-2; 11-13
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God...For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore, lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed."

This is EXACTLY what I needed for today. I'm feeling super stressed and swamped. I've been worrying. But it's like God is saying, "Lay it down. I'll take the burden!" Since I have all of these examples of Christ-followers, I need to lay aside my burdens and my sins, and run with endurance this race, and keep my eyes on Jesus who found, and is perfecting, my faith. I need to look at Christ's example, who joyfully endured the cross- and look where He is now! He's seated at the right hand of God!

I am not enduring a cross, but I do have a full plate of student teaching assignments to do. God is disciplining me for righteousness. He's preparing me for His plans. I need to go about this with joy! Not stress or worrying. "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" So I will lift my drooping hands to my glorious Father, strengthen my weak knees to run with endurance, and make straight paths for my feet, not wandering off to temporary pleasures and treasures of this world! My eyes are on You Jesus! You found me and you are continually sanctifying me. Make me more like You.