Run To Him

By Brenda Boen
May 08, 2007

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”  Proverbs 18:10

This life is a hard one and we are under pressures at all angles.  Some are imposed on us.  Others we put on ourselves.  But we don’t have to struggle.  We can turn to God and He will keep us safe.

 “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”  Isaiah 40:31

Hoping in the Lord is knowing God’s strength will help us rise above life’s distractions and difficulties.  God wants the best for us so we can relax and have confidence that He has the power to control life and to provide and care for us.

“Don’t you know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?  Run in such a way as to get the prize.”  1 Corinthians 9:24

Winning a race requires purpose and discipline.  The Christian life takes hard work, self-denial, and grueling preparation.  As Christians, we are running toward our heavenly reward.  The essential disciplines of prayer, Bible study and worship equip us to run with vigor and stamina.  Don’t merely observe the grandstand; don’t just turn out to jog a couple of laps each morning.  Train diligently—your spiritual progress depends on it.

 ”You were running a good race.  Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?” Galatians 5:7

We can get so caught up in the world and things of this world that we take our eyes off of Jesus.  A little here and a little there and before you know it you are not following the truth but that of the world.  We need to guard against this.  How do we do it?  By staying in the Word daily.  Putting our armor on daily to guard against evil is very important to avoid those fiery darts hurled at us by the enemy. By being around Godly Christian examples and being one yourself to others.

 “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.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning it’s shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”  Hebrews 12:1-3

We can be encouraged by others who have run this race successfully.  They were like long distance runners who work hard to build endurance and strength.  We can do like them and strip down everything that hinders us.  How?  We can choose friends who are committed to the race.  People will influence you to make bad choices and unwise decisions.  Make wise choices.  Stop doing things that take your eyes off of Jesus.  Get help where we need it.  If you are struggling with anything by all means seek help.  You don’t have to go through it alone.

The Christian life is hard work.  Sometimes we have to give up things that pull us away from God.  We need to run with endurance as we struggle against sin but always fixing our eyes on Christ, keeping Him in sight.  The power of the Holy Spirit will help us but we have to keep running in the right direction.