There are moments in life when we find ourselves weighed down by things we can’t seem to shake—habits, attitudes, or patterns that cling to us and slow our spiritual progress. These are what the writer of Hebrews calls “besetting sins.” Each of us has something that tries to entangle us, whether it’s a sharp tongue, a critical spirit, a struggle with self-control, or even the subtle sin of unbelief. Sometimes, we become so accustomed to these things that our conscience grows numb, and we stop noticing their impact on our lives and those around us.
The heart of the matter, as Hebrews 12 reminds us, is not just the individual struggles we face, but the universal challenge of unbelief. Throughout history, God’s people have stumbled not because of a lack of knowledge or opportunity, but because of a failure to trust God fully. Unbelief is a grief to the Lord—it limits what He can do in our lives, blocks blessings, and keeps us from experiencing the fullness of His love and power. Even Jesus, at the tomb of Lazarus, was moved to tears not only by loss, but by the unbelief of those around Him.
But there is hope and a way forward. The cure for little faith begins with honesty—confessing our doubts and struggles to God and to trusted companions in faith. We are called to pray for discernment, to seek understanding of God’s will, and to remember His faithfulness in our past. Reflecting on how God has provided before strengthens our trust that He will do it again. We grow in faith by making prayer a daily habit, immersing ourselves in Scripture, staying connected to the community of believers, and practicing gratitude for both the big and small blessings.
Above all, we are to keep our eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him and now sits at the right hand of God. He is both the author and perfecter of our faith. As we lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles, we make room for God’s grace to work in us and through us, not just for our own sake, but for the sake of those around us. May we always thank God for Calvary, where Christ made a way for us to run this race with endurance and hope.
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV) — 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 that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
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