Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sins that so easily entangles. —Hebrews 12:1
Click here to read today’s Scripture: Hebrews 12: 1-3
Recently, I hiked the third highest volcano in Central America—Volcán de Acatenango, located in Guatemala. The hike was expected to take 7 hours up and 3 hours down, but for me, it turned into a 9-hour climb up and a 4-hour descent. That morning, I woke up early, prayed, had breakfast, and began the journey. I had prepared for weeks, fully aware that the hike would be intense—but the real experience was far more challenging than I anticipated.
The first day was a merciless incline. There were no flat stretches—just a constant upward push. I quickly ran out of breath and watched as other hikers passed me one by one. Soon, I realized I was one of the last two from my group. Thankfully, a guard stayed with me the entire time, never leaving my side. What made it even harder was the weight I was carrying: a heavy backpack loaded with overnight essentials, snacks, and 3 liters of water. As I climbed higher, the temperature dropped, and the air thinned. Even before the hike began, I had the option to pay the guard to carry my bag, but I stubbornly refused, thinking I could handle it. About two hours in, completely exhausted and burdened, I finally surrendered and asked the guard to kindly carry the bag for me. After 9 long hours, I reached base camp—achy, sweaty, and freezing in -5 degrees Celsius. But I made it.
Descending the next day was easier, but tough in its own way. It strained my knees, but once again, I persevered.
That volcano hike was more than a physical challenge; it mirrored life itself. We all face mountains. We all have battles that seem impossible to win, times when we’re out of breath, overwhelmed, and ready to give up. Sometimes it’s a broken relationship, financial stress, sickness, or simply the emotional weight of life. Like my backpack, these burdens slow us down. But we weren’t created to carry everything on our own.
The writer of Hebrews encourages: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sins that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us (12:1).
Just as I had a faithful guard beside me on the trail, we have a faithful God who walks with us every step of the way. And just as I had to eventually let go of my backpack, we too must learn to let go of sin, pride, fear, and anything else that weighs us down. The journey will not always be easy, but if we trust God, persevere, surrender what we were never meant to carry, and keep climbing, we will make it. I truly hope to see you all at the top—because the view will be amazing.
Reflect: What "backpacks" are you carrying right now that God is asking you to surrender? In what ways can you allow Him to take over the burden?
Prayer Starter:
Dear God, thank you for always being by my side. Teach me to surrender—my sins, my burdens, and anything that weighs me down. May I ever persevere in this life so I can reach the next one and share forever with you. Amen!
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