“Even the bravest warriors will flee naked on that day...” Amos 2:16
Running is much more about survival than it is about rebellion. The need for
fight or flight is as instinctive as breathing. The pressures that can make you
feel like you cannot go on, it is all too much, which slowly turns into things
like ‘I’m not good enough’, I’m not smart enough’, ‘I’m not strong
enough’...these lies often fill our heads especially when we are faced with
situations that make us think there is no way out, we either run or hide.
There are several examples where scripture recognises these instincts
without condemnation, rather with recognition, support and help.
Elijah wanted to die - 1 Kings 19:4; God gives him rest, feeds him, then gently
speaks to him in a whisper.
Hagar runs away into the wilderness with her little son – Gen 16:13; God
acknowledges her, quenches her thirst, then gives her a lasting promise.
Peter said affirmatively that he never knew Jesus – Mark 14:71; Jesus
reconciled their relationship, dines with him and then sends him into
leadership.
That same God is your God. He understands the instinct for even the brave,
strong warrior to see opposition and run with complete abandon. He
continues to respond the same way to you today, no matter how ‘strong’,
‘smart’, ‘good’ you may feel, your father in heaven wants you to be assured
that He sees you, He wants make provision for your exact needs, He wants
to engage in conversation with you, you already know that He covers you
and mostly, He wants to give you His peace.
Prayer
God of compassion, you know my limits much more than I do. Help me
bring my fears into your light, help me bring my dilemmas into your truth,
help me not to hide or run away from you in Jesus’ name. Amen.
