Hebrews 12:1 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,  Several heros of the faith are recorded in Hebrews 11. Let’s examine briefly just a few examples left for us in Hebrews 11.  Abel, laid aside his pride, his own works, and brought the firstling of the flock, a blood sacrifice that pleased God.  Noah, laid aside his own agenda, worked on the Ark for 120 years, was a preacher of righteousness,  and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.  Abraham laid aside everything when he was willing to leave Ur of the Chaldees, to seek a city whose builder and maker was God.   Joseph laid aside all malice, when he was willing to forgive and restore his brethren that had wronged him.  Moses laid aside the pleasures of sin for a season, that he might lead the children of Israel through the wilderness.   Truly, if we want to be used of God it requires a willingness to lay aside some things.  Some things are just a weight to slow us down.  Other things could actually be sin that will disqualify us from the race if left unchecked and unconfessed.  Consider…Luke 9:23  And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. The most difficult part of this verse in my experience is not following, but rather denying.
Lord, help us this day, to deny ourselves,  take up that blessed cross, and follow you. After all, you know the way. Amen.  Pastor