
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. —Hebrews 12:1-3 (NLT)
1. Remember how much God loves me.
“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.” —John 15:9-10 (NLT)
See what an incredible quality of love the Father has shown to us, that we would be permitted to be named and called and counted the children of God! —1 John 3:1 (AMP)
2. Remember who I am.
“I testify on my own behalf…” —John 8:18 (GNT)
3. Know who I am trying to please.
“No one can serve two masters.” —Luke 16:13 (NLT)
“…the one who sent me is with me—he has not deserted me. For I always do what pleases him.” —John 8:29 (NLT)
4. Focus on what matters most.
As the time drew near for his return to heaven, he moved steadily onward toward Jerusalem with an iron will. —Luke 9:51 (TLB)
“Anyone who lets himself be distracted from the work I plan for him is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” —Luke 9:62 (TLB)
We are free to do anything we want to do. Yes, but some things do not make people better. It is better if we do not do such things. —1 Corinthians 10:23 (WE)
5. Spend time alone with God.
He came out and went, as was His habit, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed Him. —Luke 22:39 (AMP)
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. —Mark 1:35 (NIV)
But the news about Jesus spread even more. Many people came to hear Jesus and to be healed of their sicknesses, but Jesus often slipped away to be alone so he could pray. —Luke 5:15-16 (NCV)
6. Get a small group for support.
Then he appointed twelve of them and called them his apostles. They were to accompany him… —Mark 3:14 (NLT)
“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” —Matthew 26:38 (NIV)
Discussion Questions
Icebreaker:
Who do you know that you can invite to the Easter egg drop or the Easter Service?
1. What is God’s love? How have you experienced God’s love for YOU lately and how has this helped you get through the stress of day to day life?
2. There are a lot of important things in our lives. How do we prioritize them and how do we know we are prioritizing correctly?
3. Talk about a time when your alone time with God helped to alleviate stress. When did a time with a small group help to alleviate stress?
Going Deeper:
Hebrews 12:11 says this:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
1. What is weighing you down that is causing you unnecessary stress?
2. Who is your crowd of witnesses that can help you in this time?
3. Using this crowd, ask them for prayer and encouragement to help you get through whatever it is that is weighing you down.