Which Way Are You Running?

“But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” Daniel 12:4 (ESV)

I don’t know about you, but I always seem to be running. Running here, running there, always running trying to keep up with family, friends, projects, responsibilities, and upcoming events. In the midst of all my busyness, I’ve found it’s critical to stop and ask myself, “Which way am I running?”

Every day, we find ourselves running toward people and things and/or away from people and things. Have you ever stopped to think about what or who you are running toward or what or who you are running from?

When we slow down and carefully examine our schedules, we often discover numerous activities and self-imposed projects and responsibilities that are either unhealthy or altogether unnecessary. And — quite often, our personal agendas distract us and keep us from embracing important God-given appointments and opportunities.

We all face times in life when we become discouraged or lack the courage, confidence, and faith to embrace God’s desired plans for our lives. Past sin, pain, and failure can create insecurities and fears that can cause us to hesitate when God prompts us to speak up, accept new challenges, and take on new roles.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works,

which God prepared beforehand so that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)

God has prepared beforehand new opportunities and adventures for us. But, it’s up to us to recognize these possibilities, make time in our schedules for them, set aside our insecurities and fears, and courageously walk toward these opportunities and not away from them! God’s deeply desires us to say yes, seize the moment, run well, and not be hindered by our past sin, pain, failures — or our busy schedules.

“You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?” Galatians 5:7 (ESV)

For years, I allowed business and my insecurities to keep me from boldly pursuing God’s plans for my life. But, since I’ve learned to process my past and have incorporated a support system of godly friends, encouragers, and accountability partners, I’ve been able to balance my commitments more effectively and embrace God-given opportunities with a lot more confidence and courage.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely,

and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1 (ESV)

Join me today in laying aside any hindrances in your life that keeps you from running toward God and toward the things He has prepared for you. Together, let’s hold fast to His Word and fully embrace our God-given opportunities, so we will not run our race in vain!

“Holding fast to the word of life,

so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.”

Philippians 2:16 (ESV)