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.
Devotional Thoughts
By David Wilkerson
Sin causes Christians to become cowards and live in defeat. Some once knew what it was like to live victoriously and experience the power, courage, and blessing that comes from obedience to the Lord. But a besetting sin has robbed them of their spiritual vitality and the enemy raises one battle after another.
It is possible to overcome a sin that has become a habit. Paul fought a battle between the flesh and the Spirit and confessed, “For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice” (Romans 7:19). The fear of God against sin is the basis of all freedom. God cannot condone sin and he cannot make an exception.
While God hates sin with a perfect hatred, he loves each of us with an infinite compassion. His love will never compromise with sin but he clings to his sinning child with one purpose in mind — to reclaim him. The knowledge that he loves you in spite of your sin should be enough to accept that love. And God pities you! He knows the agony of your battle and he is always there, reassuring you that nothing can ever separate you from his love.
“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:37-39).
Victory over besetting sin causes all other enemies to flee. Worry, fear, guilt, anxiety, depression, restlessness, loneliness — all are your enemies. But the righteous are as bold as a lion and their clear conscience makes them a fortress that these enemies cannot overrun.
Do you want victory over all your enemies? Then deal ferociously with your besetting sin. “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).