Let’s consider this passage as we compare our life to a race, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

There are two things I want to point out in this passage: First, God has a particular race, a unique plan, for each of us. His plan for our life is good. It does not included a life full of dependencies, addictions, hurts, or hang-ups. Second, we need to be willing to get rid of all the unnecessary baggage and past failures that keep us stuck and weigh us down. In other words, what are the things in your life that keep tripping you up?

The baggage that keeps us from moving forward comes in various forms. Some of us may be carrying loads of bitterness over an offense. Some may be bound by a long battle with addiction. Some are carrying the emotional weight of being abused. Some carry the guilt of missed opportunities. Some may be struggling with the idea of how could God ever forgive what they did? This is precisely why Easter represents a new beginning. Jesus goes to the cross for our mistakes, guilt, and shame. Through the resurrection he defeats everything we allow to defeat us. His victory becomes our victory. He destroys the chains that keep us from making life transformative progress in our lives Here is the truth, God does love you and has made a way for you to experience a new beginning.