Let It Go With Purpose

Let It Go With Purpose

Hebrews 12:1-2

Last night, I went to bed early, exhausted from what I thought was just the busyness of the past few days. Having my grandson over, which I love, and engaging in Bible study, which I cherish, seemed manageable.

But on Friday, when I learned of my cousin Nate’s passing and I rushed to be with my family, I felt the weight of loss again.

Can I just stop right here and urge you to stay humble and never think you better than anybody else. We all leave here with what we came here with “Nothing”

Experiencing three deaths in just over a month was overwhelming.

But there was some drama, On Friday my family and I at my cousin’s Nate home, and before my cousin’s body was even taken to the morgue, there were Facebook posts from folks not even in my family…Drama…

When Apostle told me about the post I started to become a detective, getting on the phone investigating this is how the enemy does it, the women that posted about my cousin is a family member of Apostle’s. the enemy’s strategy was to ensure that I got wind of information only known by my family members who were there… to cause division...

Yesterday it all hit me

I was drained, weighed down, and tired.

This morning, however, the Lord reminded me that I’ve been here before, and He revealed what was truly weighing me down.

It wasn’t just grief—it was the enemy’s conspiracy to distract me from my purpose.

Holy Spirit told me that the enemy wanted me to dwell in the drama in full view of witnesses, who are looking to me, and I should looking to Jesus keeping my eyes on Jesus.

So the Spirit of God redirected me this morning, and I began to write.

I don’t know who this is for also, I know God wasn’t just speaking to me.

Somebody’s purpose is going to be realigned today.

Will you please stand and go with me to Hebrews 12:1-2

"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. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Let us seek the Lord in prayer...

Heavenly Father,

we come before You today with hearts open and minds ready to receive Your Word. Lord, we acknowledge Your sovereignty in every season of our lives—the joys and the sorrows, the clarity and the confusion. We thank You for Your grace that sustains us and Your love that carries us through every trial.

Today, Father, we ask that You speak to us, align our hearts with Your purpose, and help us to let go of every weight that hinders us from walking in Your will. Teach us, Lord, to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and to trust in Your perfect plan, even when the pain feels overwhelming.

Father, we ask for healing for broken hearts, peace for troubled minds, and strength for weary souls. May Your Spirit move mightily in this moment, breaking chains, lifting burdens, and realigning destinies according to Your divine purpose.

We dedicate this time to You, Lord. Let Your Word transform us, Your presence comfort us, and Your purpose guide us. In Jesus' mighty name, we pray. Amen.

While you take your seat tell yourself...

“Let It Go With Purpose”

The writer of Hebrews gives us a clarion call to "throw off everything that hinders our unrealized purpose.

The unreleased pain, bitterness, and anxiety prevents us from running our spiritual race effectively.

The author encourages believers to trust in God’s purpose and move forward, just as Jesus did.

Pain, suffering, and anxiety are heavy burdens. They can weigh us down, tether us to the past, and keep us from moving forward in faith.

But Christ came not just to set us free from sin but to show us how to let go of the hurts—whether inflicted by others or by ourselves. His walk-in ministry is our ultimate example of purpose in the pain.

Journey with me through Jesus’ life in ministry, seeing how He endured betrayal, lies, challenges, and death with a purpose and grace that inspires us to let go and trust God's purpose in our pain.

1. Jesus' Walk in Ministry wasn’t Easy: He Faced the Pain

Scripture: Isaiah 53:3

"He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces, he was despised, and we held him in low esteem."

Throughout His ministry, Jesus encountered pain and rejection.

Betrayal by Friends: Judas, one of His closest disciples, betrayed Him for 30 pieces of silver. Yet, Jesus still washed Judas' feet (John 13:2-5). He didn't allow the betrayal to stop His purpose.

False Accusations: The Pharisees accused Him of blasphemy and breaking the law (Matthew 12:24). Instead of defending Himself with anger, Jesus stayed focused on teaching truth.

Plots Against Him: Religious leaders schemed to kill Him, but He continued to heal, preach, and love without hesitation (John 11:53).

Rejection by the People: The same crowd that shouted "Hosanna!" on Palm Sunday demanded His crucifixion days later (Matthew 27:22-23). Jesus sought out forgiveness for them, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

Jesus never allowed the actions of others to dictate His response or derail His mission. He’s teaching us that even when we are hurt, rejected, or wronged, we can release the pain and trust God's plan.

2. Because There’s Purpose in the Pain

Scripture: Romans 8:28

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Jesus understood that His suffering had a divine purpose. Every painful moment was part of God's redemptive plan for humanity.

The Garden of Gethsemane: In His anguish, Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). He teaches us that surrendering to God’s will transforms pain into purpose.

The Cross: The ultimate symbol of pain and shame became the pathway to salvation. Jesus endured it for "the joy set before Him"—our reconciliation with God (Hebrews 12:2).

We need to understand that our pain is not meaningless. God can use our suffering to refine us, draw us closer to Him, and fulfill His greater purpose. Your heartbreak, betrayal, or anxiety can become a testimony of His grace if you let go and trust Him.

3. We have God's Grace to Get Through It All

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9

"But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."

Jesus never promised us a life free of trouble, but He promised His presence and grace to endure.

In Our Weakness: When the pain feels unbearable, His strength sustains us.

In Our Anxiety: Jesus invites us to cast our cares on Him (1 Peter 5:7). He knows the weight of suffering and offers peace in exchange for our burdens (John 14:27).

In Our Forgiveness: Letting go of pain often means forgiving those who caused it—including ourselves. Jesus' forgiveness on the cross empowers us to forgive others.

Some of us have been carrying a backpack filled with rocks, each one representing pain, anger, and anxiety.

The longer you carry it, the heavier it becomes. Jesus invites you to lay it at His feet and walk free. He knows the weight because He carried it for you.

Let me encourage you to move from Pain to Purpose

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jesus' life teaches us that pain is a part of the process. It doesn't mean God has abandoned us; it means He is shaping us.

God shaped Joseph’s Story: His brothers betrayed him, but God used the pain to position him as a leader who saved nations (Genesis 50:20).

Christ shaped Paul’s Journey: He faced imprisonment, beatings, and rejection, yet he declared, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

When we let go of the pain and surrender it to God, we make room for His purpose and power to flow through us.

Letting It Go

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Letting go is not easy, but it is necessary. Jesus carried the weight of our sins, hurts, and failures to the cross so that we wouldn’t have to. Trust me when I tell you to trust Him with your pain. Let His grace strengthen you. And remember, your suffering is not the end; it’s part of your greater purpose.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Jesus, who endured pain and suffering with grace and purpose. Teach us to let go of the hurt, anxiety, and burdens we carry. Help us to forgive, to trust Your purpose in our pain, and to lean on Your grace. May we walk in freedom, knowing that You are working all things for our good and Your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.