Aren’t you tired of running? It’s the question that comes to mind when I see people running out in any and all kinds of weather! Walking and hiking I enjoy immeasurably, but running, not even a little!
My husband and I are not runners, but we are jealous of those who are. We roll our eyes (hopefully discreetly) when we’re out walking in the neighborhood as we observe runners sailing by without even breathing heavy or breaking a sweat. Once we marveled at a lady who was in her 80s (best guess, but I think accurate!) who was out running AND smiling AND greeting others! Aren’t you tired of running (and making some of us look bad)?
How are these runner people not tired? Much respect to all you diehard runners – even the ones who just get out there and try! (I tried to write that last sentence without a grumble or an eye-roll).
The title of today’s post touches on two other aspects of the term running.
1. Running the Race that is Set Before Us (Hebrews 12:1)
We get tired; we are human. The things we do for others are things that God has called us to do. We serve and give and love, sometimes without return. God sees our hearts, hearts that want to glorify Him, hearts that want others to know of His great love for them. He also sees us when doing good consists of getting through to the next thing. Mundane tasks can feel lifeless, as if we are wasting our time on day-to-day chores – at work, at home. But again God looks upon the heart. He sees the efforts to keep going, to keep showing up and He wants us to not grow weary for these things are good things too.
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest…” Matthew 11:28
This time matters to God, this time between now and eternity. Be encouraged today that you are not failing. If your heart belongs to Him, He is seen by others through your life whether it seems that way or not. Keep doing that ministry until He leads you elsewhere. Keep doing the unceasing chores for which He has made you responsible. Keep loving that family, those co-workers. Keep praying. Keep holding on to Him and He will give you all the grace and strength you need to get to that reward that awaits you, Good and Faithful Servant.
But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus – the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. Acts 20:24
2. Running From God
If you do not have a relationship with God and you find yourself faced with the reality that you’ve been chasing all the things of this world and its empty promises, running from God, you can find peace for your soul this very moment. If you’re hurting and feel like there is no hope, please know that there is a God who will save you.
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved. Romans 10:13
This God, the One True God, loves you so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to this world to shed His own blood to die for the sins of the world. Jesus rose again three days later and He is alive today! He asks nothing in return – just a repentant heart that He can comfort, teach, heal, restore and save for all eternity.
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit. Psalm 34:18
There isn’t a soul alive who doesn’t need Christ’s salvation. We are all desperate for His life, His love, His forgiveness. He invites you to stop running from Him and to follow Him.
This can be your story too.
“And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’…” Luke 15:20-24
