Stop Think Act

12.14.13

Hebrews 12.1, 3, 12,13 (ESV)

1 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...

3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.

What we have in Jesus is the ability to stop, think, and act. An unbeliever has no true access to this; he may have willpower but it is no power compared to God’s power.

The believer has the power to stop in the arena of sin. The writer said, “…let us lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely and run…” He wrote this not because it was motivational but because it is true – you don’t tell someone to do something they are incapable of doing. Because of our association with Jesus and our life in Him we are able to stop (lay aside) the things that trouble us. Not saying it won’t be hard but the truth is, it’s possible.

And we are to think about Him, our Example that we may not grow weary and lose heart. Thinking about Jesus and His sacrifice is a holy exercise that brings power, hope, and a right mind. Forgetting about Jesus leads to hopelessness and cynicism. Part of our daily doing is to think about Jesus and what He’s done for us so that we can press on in all we do for Him.

And then we’re to start acting accordingly. Our living is to be intentional; our living is to be actionable. We’re to take action because we’ve been given the faith and the power to do so. It’s living life on the toes, in action: not on the heels in reaction or inaction. We’re to act because we can. All things are possible to him who believes (Mark 9.23). Live love. Act.

If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always be where you’ve always been. If that’s an issue, stop. We can stop. Jesus has given us the power to stop.

If stinking thinking has left you sinking, then consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. We’ll be amazed at what power a changed mind can provide.

If your hands droop and your body is weak then start acting – we have the power in Christ to do so. It’s as simple as that. Do we believe? Is it true? How we live will be evidence of yes, or no.

Father, help me today to live encouraged and on my toes. You are my Provider, my Wisdom, and my Strength – how I live today will be evidence of how I appropriate these things… Amen.