Thursday, October 22, 2009

Ever Thought of Running Away?

"God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12 (NLT)

So, have you ever thought of running away? When things didn't go as you planned? When the going got tough...in school...in your job...in your marriage...in parenting...in life???? In times of desperation, failure, overwhelming circumstances many people consider it. It's surely not a new concept. Running away has been considered...and done...by multitudes who've travelled this journey before us. Individuals have run away. Remember Jonah? He didn't just run away from home....He ran from God! Whole armies have run away. That kind of amuses me...musclebound men (in skirts) with weapons running as fast as their hairy legs will carry them.

From the Old Testament to the New, countless people have encouraged others to endure! Great men have felt like running or giving up...even Moses! But Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, gave counsel to Moses and said, "If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures...." (Exodus 18 NLT) We need to seek guidance from God's Word...from Paul and other Heroes of the Faith who remind us that "since we have been justified through faith, we have peace...and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us." (Romans 5:1-5 NIV) Peter says, "So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while." (1 Peter 1:6)

Let's join with the One who understands endurance! "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross...." (Hebrews 12:2 NIV) because of His amazing love for us...a "love that endures forever." (Psalm 106:1 NIV)

So, if you feel like running, don't run away. Run to Jesus.

Our precious heavenly Father, thank You for Your love that endures forever. Thank You for the hope, peace, and joy that we have because of Your unfathomable love! Lord, give us strength to endure, patience to persevere, "love that never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." (1 Corinthians 13:7 NLT)

4 comments:

pipedi said...

What a timely post! Thanks. I've been feeling overwhelmed and discouraged in several areas of life that running away from it all has been so tempting. This post feels like a lifeline from God. Thanks so much.

Kristi Butler said...

God is so good. He loves you...and it is from Him. He led you. He prompted me. Cling to His promises! I'm praying for you right now.

pipedi said...

Thank you for your prayers. I do have more peace. As you said, I'm going to cling to and believe His promises - by faith, not by sight at the moment. Thanks again!

Write2ignite said...

I love this post for many reasons - but one being the fact that it is a beautiful and TRUE post!
the other being that I wrote a post the other day that I never finished writing (nor did I actually post it) that started something like this:

"Some days, I just feel like packing everything up (including the kids, hubby and kitchen sink) and running away..."

I'm so glad I can run TO Jesus instead of running from Him! :)

hugs,
Donna