“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, 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.”—Hebrews 12:1 (NLT)
Like me, how many of you had good intentions listing goals you planned on attaining for 2025? In addition to my word and verse for the year, I wrote out what I wanted to keep doing, stop doing and start doing.
So far, I have been fairly successful with the first two objectives. The third one; things to start doing….not so much. Last week I shared how my passion for knitting had started to wane. Along with that, my knitting ministry had really taken a backseat in my life.
As you know, my mom’s advancing dementia was consuming me. Overwhelming circumstances can result in a lack of zeal. Thankfully, the ladies in Knit, Pray, Crochet, filled the gap where I was lacking. They never stopped showing up and making their items.
Even though I may have physically present, my heart wasn’t in it like it had been. Going back to one of the goals I had let fall to the wayside was having a monthly presence at church with the knitting ministry. Bringing awareness to our group will help it grow.
Ideally, I would like to see someone start an evening or weekend group for those that can’t join us in morning one. That isn’t going to happen if we don’t knit/crochet before church services every once in a while to let people know we exist.
Satan was whispering, Lisa, it’s already August. You wrote that goal in January. Just put it off until next year. He would like more than anything for me to feel shame for not following through. His desire is to keep me from pressing on with this ministry.
However, September 7th will be our church’s kickoff for the start of fall small groups. What a perfect time to have our first gathering before church. See, it’s never too late to meet a goal. Yes, I could have done this sooner, but like they say, better late than never.
We know the enemy is real. He will do his best to use distractions to keep us from growing God’s kingdom. Hebrews 12:1 tells us God has marked out a race for us. May we run it with perseverance by throwing off what is hindering us.
While I will be involved with some of my mother’s care from afar, it will no longer be a daily obligation of mine. I see how God is removing distractions to protect my purpose. He knew how hard it was for me to let go of what was hindering my ministry. He also knew the guilt I would have had, had she not lived near me these past 30 months. I have peace knowing I have done the best that I can meeting her needs as well as this new facility being a better fit for the level of care she now requires.
Do you have something in your life that is slowing you down that you need to release to God? Trust me, I know how hard it is. No matter what is impeding your walk with the Lord, remember the words of Hebrews 12:1 And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”
Once you can lay down your heavy burden at the foot of the cross, your load is lighter to fulfill God’s plans and purpose in sharing the love of Jesus to our lost and broken world.
Father God,
Forgive me when I let distractions hinder Your purpose for me. Thank You for removing circumstances preventing me from living Your call in my life. May I live out Hebrews 12:1; by stripping off every weight that slows me down, especially sin that so easily trips me up . Help me to run this race in life with the endurance only You can provide. When I lay my burdens in Your lap, You will lighten my load. Thank You for this gift. I lift those up to You who are having a difficult time releasing their cares to You. Open their eyes to Your hand in their lives. I pray these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
August Verse
“May your ways be known throughout the earth, your saving power among people everywhere.”—Psalm 67:2 (NLT)
If you are knitting or crocheting gifts to give away, please make sure you tweet @KnitPrayShare or share your projects on the Knit, Pray, Share Facebook page or Instagram using the hashtag #KnitPrayShare. Be sure to attach a tag to whatever gift you make.
