Hebrews 12:1-3 “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 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. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, let ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”
General John Burgoyne created an audacious strategy for the British Army during the Revolutionary War that was carefully crafted and deliberately designed to divide and sever the forces of the American army. Burgoyne would attack through Canada from the north, rendezvousing with General William Howe from New York City. Their rejoin would isolate New England and create conditions that would strangle the colonial military and end their fledgling revolutionary aims.
While the general concept of such a strategy was sound, its execution was poor. Burgoyne’s plan was largely encumbered by his own leadership characteristics that insisted on an excessively luxurious lifestyle. His indulgence prompted him to haul along an extra thirty wagons of personal belongings with his forces. Such a lack of focus and loss of logistical flexibility culminated in a shocking defeat for the British at Saratoga in October of 1777. The strategic loss was largely because the General wouldn’t lay aside the besetting weight of excess and indulgence.
God has given us a role and responsibility as a part of His audacious and sound strategy. It has been carefully crafted and deliberately designed. Unfortunately, we see losses because we won’t lay aside the besetting weights that encumber our focus and flexibility. Our excess and indulgence create strategic loss for the cause of Christ.
What are we hauling along with us in our lives that hinders us as we strive to serve the Lord?
PLEASE PRAY FOR AMERICAN CHRISTIANS TO RUN WITH PATIENCE WHILE LAYING ASIDE EVERY WEIGHT AND THE SIN WHICH DOTH SO EASILY BESET US. Audacious strategies fall short when encumbered by excesses and indulgences.
