Running to the Future

I love the idea of running. I mean that literally—I have no interest in the reality of running unless it's required by the sport I'm playing.

But I love the idea of running.  I love the determination and discipline it implies. I love the metaphor of running towards an important goal. 

Unfortunately, too often we are defined by what we're running from.  That's where the running metaphor turns toxic. 

Too often we're running in fear . . . . fearful our past will catch up to us . . . . fearful we'll be exposed . . . . fearful we'll never realize our hopes . . . . fearful we won't be truly loved. 

What are You running from?

Fear, which is merely an idea, can destroy every logical argument and consume our entire being.  We seem defenseless against it. 

Your fears mark the boundaries of your freedom.  And God designed you to live in freedom, not fear.  But He didn't design you to overcome your fears on your own.  He designed you to overcome them with knowledge of Him and reliance on His power and the power of His community. 

Stop running from your fears and your past.  Start running to Jesus. Let His love envelope you.  Let His love overwhelm your every fear. 

Focus Scripture:  'By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.'  I John 4:17-18