The Wide Path

The Wide Path
Words of Faith 4-16-26
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2026
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL
www.faithfellowshipweb.com
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Hebrews 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...

People in the ancient world knew what the race looked like and exactly the sort of perils and drama could be part of the competition. The scene was familiar. The race is on, and the early runners have passed the baton and are now cheering on those running the current leg of the relay. The runners are fast, having stripped to the bare minimum. Nothing that could be a hindrance in the race remains.

There is no iPod strapped to the arm. No unnecessary baggage here. But suddenly, the runner rounds a curve and motion abruptly stops. "Oh no!" sighs the crowd as they realize that the runner is caught in the briars that are on the back side of the course. All experienced runners know about those briars. If just one thorn catches hold, it seems to pull the runner in!

Every runner knows that particular curve and is tempted to cut the corner close to the briars, but the wise ones make a wide path. Taking that risk to gain a little time will not be worth it if you become entangled. Getting loose from the briars can take even more time, and some help is usually required. The sad thing is that there are always some runners who do not learn the lesson! Coming around the curve again, they cut close to the briars again! There is something about that turn that makes us think we can get close and still get away, but that is never the case.

In our Christian race of faith, there are not only the things that hinder— the weights that slow us down— but also the sin that so easily entangles. For many of us, this is a place of vulnerability where the Enemy tangles and snares us with ease. We find ourselves in confession again and again over the same briar patch, bruised and bleeding.

But the Writer reminds us that it need not be this way. Because of the power of Christ in us, we can throw off the sin that easily entangles us. There is NO sin or temptation that has such power over us that we cannot throw it off. Sure, we may have to cut an extra wide path around that curve in the course or take another way entirely. We have to know ourselves well enough to completely avoid situations that tempt us.

Do you remember what Paul said to the Believers at Corinth? "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it (1 Cor. 10:13)." That is mighty good news.

How about you? Have you been cutting the curves a little too close? Easing just a little too near those briars? Don't do it. It is not worth it. Take the wide path. Steer clear of the briars.

Lord, give me the grace I need to walk blameless before You. Give me the wisdom to see the briar patch and steer clear. Give me the courage to avoid entanglement. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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© Jeffrey D. Hoy 2026
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy - Faith Fellowship Church (EFCA)
2820 Business Center Blvd.
Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321)-259-7200
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is quoted from the New International Version (R) of The Holy Bible. Copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Words of Faith (c) 1997, 2026 Jeffrey D. Hoy.