Patheos

BuddhistCatholicContemplativeEvangelicalGeneral ChristianHinduJewishLatter-day SaintMuslimNew VisionsProgressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Patheos

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos Patheos on Facebook Patheos on YouTube

Courage for Life

Which Way Are You Running?

Last updated on: December 7, 2018 at 10:26 am   by Ann White

Which Way Are You Running? 2018-12-07T10:26:34-05:00 Ann White

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

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?”

Photo credit Mitchell Orr / Unsplash

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. I’ve also been able to 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)

“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)

Personal Growth

Spiritual Growth

Busy

Busy Life

Busyness

About Ann White

Ann White is the Founder, Executive Director of Courage For Life in Marietta, GA. She is an internationally known author, speaker, and passionate Bible teacher. Ann founded her global ministry out of a calling to share with others how God and His Word brought restoration to her life and marriage. You can read more about the author here.

Previous Post



December 5, 2018

God- Protect Me From Myself

Next Post



December 12, 2018 Heartaches and Holidays


Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Bible Study Communication Courage For Life Discipleship Emotional Growth Holy Week Leadership Personal Growth Real Life Stories Relationships Serving Others Spiritual Growth Uncategorized YouVersion

Select a Month May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017


Follow Us!

Follow Us on Facebook Follow Us on Twitter



TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Who was struck dead instantly for lying about money they gave to the church?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Aquila and Priscilla Ananias and Sapphira Judas Iscariot and Mary Magdalene Simon the Sorcerer and Demas

Related posts from Courage for Life

Evangelical

Embrace Opportunities

Courage for Life

Evangelical

Have Compassion

Courage for Life

Evangelical

Share Truth With Others

Courage for Life

Evangelical

Maintain a Faith-Filled Attitude

Courage for Life

TRENDING AT PATHEOS Evangelical

The REST of Your Life: A Creative Wrestles...

This week I had a conversation with a good friend from church....

How the author of the world's best hymn...

I've been working with John Newton for a while now. This makes...

Psalm 130 | Lectio Divina

Long before this Lectio Divina, Psalm 130 - the song - started...

What About the Trees? Another Living Parable

After I finished writing the last article about falling leaves as a...

Why Classical Education Is a Conversation, Not a...

Come and Read: Joy in Classical Education When I was a little...

What Happened at Cornell?

Cornell University has received a great deal of negative publicity and intense...

view all Evangelical blogs

Patheos on Facebook Patheos on YouTube

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Copyright 2008-2026, Patheos. All rights reserved.

Subscription Support Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In

Follow Patheos Patheos on Facebook Patheos on YouTube