Hebrew 12:1 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.
The monkey on our back slows us down. After travelling along with the monkey on our back for a while the burden becomes unnoticeable and our momentum adjusts naturally. Delays must make us stop and reassess the baggage on our back.
Abraham had two brothers – Nahor and Haran. Haran died early leaving behind a young family. Abraham being the eldest brother, fathered the children of Haran – Lot, Milcah and Iscah. The girls were married and settled but Lot remained under the shadow of Abraham. Hence when the Lord called Abraham, “Leave your country, and your relatives, and your father’s house, and go to the land that I will show you” (Genesis 12:1), he took his nephew Lot along. After a period of time under the canopy of Abraham’s favour, Lot multiplied and became very wealthy as well. But the land could not support them while they stayed together, for their possessions were so great that they were not able to stay together (Genesis 13:6). The shepherds of Abraham and the shepherds of Lot started fighting over the pasture land and the waterholes. Abraham noticed that the rivalry within his wrench could turn into a civil war and sent his nephew Lot away in peace. Bible Scholars estimate that Lot stayed with Abraham for about 10-15 years!
Of the 25 years of waiting for his promised child, Abraham carried extra baggage for about 15 years that also had an impact on the fulfillment of the promise. With the extended family filling the tent, the pain of barrenness was softened.
Overdoing, people-pleasing, and carrying unassigned burdens will distract, drain our energy and delay our blessings.
Is there a monkey on your back?
- Review: When the momentum of our progress slows down it is imperative to revisit God’s instructions.
- Reset: It is important to reset our priorities to align with our vision.
- Restart: Restart with new strategies and goals to achieve your purpose.
“Get rid of the monkey on your back that slows you down”.
Prayer: Dearest Holy Spirit, give me wisdom to say no to unnecessary burdens that would hinder the momentum of my progress. Amen
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