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Read: Hebrews 12:1
Listen: Hebrews 12

Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. Hebrews 12:1

The writer of Hebrews uses the imagery of someone running a race. The runner hastily removes anything that could slow them down. Heavy clothing or extra gear. Gone. Anything they’re carrying that will limit their ability to finish. Toss it aside. They must do whatever is necessary to maximize their potential to finish. The faith of these early Christians should mimic the runner. They need to toss aside anything that gets in the way of faith in Jesus. They need to deal with sin that could cause them to stumble and fall.

We must also heed the writer’s warning if we are to persevere in our relationship with God. If we do not deal with it, sin entangles us fast. As its roots reach deeper, the opportunity for it to trip us grows. There are also things that can get in the way of our relationship with God. Sometimes, these are good things we’ve elevated above faith, like hobbies or kids’ sports. These are gifts from God that, if we’re not careful, can take the place in our lives that is meant for God. Other things that hinder our race may be careless, like scrolling on social media. This passage teaches us that perseverance involves the continued maintenance of our hearts.

TODAY: As we close 2025, identify something that hinders you. Commit to making this coming year a time where you run your faith with priority and perseverance. One way to run with perseverance and identify what hinders you is a daily habit of reading God’s Word. Learn about Ada Bible on the YouVersion Bible App and find a reading plan. Visit adabible.info to learn more.