December 6, 2025

LAY ASIDE EVERY WEIGHT (PART 6)

Apst. Emmanuel Osezele

KEY TEXT: Hebrews 12:2 KJV: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

The only way to successfully lay aside every weight and finish the race is to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Distractions come from many sides—friends, trials, worldly temptations—but the believer who looks steadily to Christ will never stumble. He is the Author who began our faith, and the Finisher who will perfect it if we remain steadfast. Romans 13:8

Jesus Himself endured the weight of the cross, the shame, and the rejection of men because of the joy set before Him. He showed us that endurance is possible when our eyes are on the eternal reward rather than the temporary pain. If we shift our focus away from Him, the burdens of life will overwhelm us. Proverbs 3:6

To lay aside weights, we must deliberately turn away from distractions and continually meditate on Christ. Just as Peter began to sink when he looked at the storm, so does a believer fall when his eyes leave Christ. Only in Him is strength to run and finish the race. Proverbs 3:5

PRAYER:

Lord, help me to fix my eyes on You alone and not be distracted by the storms around me, in Jesus Christ’s mighty name. Amen.

REFLECTION:

Isaiah 26:3 KJV: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Father, give me the grace to keep my eyes continually fixed on Jesus. Let no distraction—whether trials, people, or temptations—pull my focus away from Him, in Jesus Christ’s mighty name. Amen

2. O Lord, strengthen my faith to endure every storm just as Jesus endured the cross. Help me to look beyond temporary pains and see the eternal joy ahead, in Jesus Christ’s mighty name. Amen

3. My Father, deliver me from anything that shifts my attention away from Christ. Help me to trust You with all my heart and not lean on my own understanding, in Jesus Christ’s mighty name. Amen

4. Lord Jesus, empower me to meditate on You daily. Let Your presence be my anchor so that I will not sink under pressure but finish my race with victory, in Jesus Christ’s mighty name. Amen.