“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 unto Jesus…”

Hebrews 12:1-2

As we begin our 21 Days of Prayer, we’re also beginning a new series called Look to Jesus. Hebrews 12 picks up right where Hebrews 11 leaves off. The writer has just spent an entire chapter reminding us of men and women who trusted God through victories, hardships, and everything in between. They weren’t perfect people, but they were faithful people. They finished their race, and now the baton has been passed to us.

The Christian life isn’t about sitting on the sidelines. God has called every one of us to run the race He has prepared for us. We aren’t running to earn salvation. Salvation was purchased for us through Jesus Christ. We’re running to fulfill His purpose for our lives and to faithfully complete the work He’s entrusted to us.

Before Hebrews tells us to run, it tells us to lay aside every weight. That’s an important distinction because the writer doesn’t immediately mention sin. He begins with the things that aren’t necessarily wrong but still slow us down. During these 21 Days, ask the Lord to reveal not only the sinful habits that need to go, but also the unnecessary weights that are keeping you from His best.

The Weight of Distraction

One of the greatest challenges believers face today isn’t persecution, it’s distraction. We live in a culture that’s constantly fighting for our attention. Phones buzz, calendars stay full, social media never stops, and before we know it, we’ve spent more time consuming the world’s noise than listening for God’s voice.

That’s one of the reasons fasting is such a powerful discipline. Whether you’re setting aside food, social media, or another distraction, you’re intentionally choosing to make more room for the Lord. Fasting isn’t simply giving up something you enjoy, it’s choosing Someone you love even more.

Distraction doesn’t just waste our time, it steals our focus. Wherever our focus goes, our lives will follow. If we want to faithfully run our race, we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.

The Weight of Discouragement

Running with Christ doesn’t mean life will be easy. There will be obstacles, disappointments, unanswered prayers, and seasons that leave us weary. Many people begin 21 Days of Prayer carrying burdens that no one else can see.

The enemy loves to use discouragement because if he can convince us to lose heart, he’ll often keep us from moving forward. But Jesus gives weary people a different invitation:

“Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28

He doesn’t ask us to carry the weight alone. He invites us to bring it to Him.

The Weight of Disbelief

Another weight that quietly creeps into our lives is unbelief. Fear tells us our situation will never change, but faith reminds us that our God is still working even when we can’t see it.

Hebrews reminds us that without faith it is impossible to please God. During these 21 Days, don’t just pray out of routine, pray believing. Ask boldly. Trust confidently. Our God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly more than we could ask or imagine, and He still rewards those who diligently seek Him.

Keep Looking Unto Jesus

Every point in Hebrews 12 leads us back to the same place: Jesus.

He is the One who strengthens us to throw off every weight, endure every hardship, and faithfully finish our race. As you spend time with the Lord over these next 21 Days of Prayer, ask Him to reveal what’s slowing you down, give you the courage to lay it aside, and help you keep your eyes fixed on Him.

There is a race to run, a purpose to fulfill, and a Savior worthy of our complete attention. Let’s run well together.