The Run

Last night I had a dream that I needed to read Galatians 5:7. Throughout my dream people kept telling me to read it repeatedly and eventually I woke up, at 4:30 a.m. I might add, and I knew God had something to tell me. So, as I lay in my bed half-awake I read these words, “You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?” (Galatians 5:7) While trying to comprehend these words I dozed back off. Honestly, I had kind of forgotten all about these special words the Lord wanted me to see until later this afternoon, when I got off the couch (spring break, amiright) and took time to sit with Him. I opened my bible and the verse came straight to mind, so I flipped to it again and wondered what was so special about it. Then I knew, this was a reminder from God about where sin comes from. Who hinders me? Who causes me to stumble? Who tempts me and enjoys watching me fail? Certainly not God. These things are from the enemy. Any and every way he can drag us down, he will. And most of the time, we let him. We play the defenseless victim or we get angry with God. “Why did you make me this way,” we ask him. “Why can’t I overcome this and that? Why did you put me in these circumstances?” But don’t trials test our faith? Don’t they cause us to run to Jesus? And aren’t going through these things ultimately for your good and to bring Him glory? Friends, we have to remember these words, “Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:2-3) Being a Christian doesn’t mean you don’t have to deal with these things anymore, there is no picture perfect life for us. Everyday there is a literal battle going on for you. And let me tell you, it’s a hard battle to fight…on your own at least. Here’s the thing though, the battle is already won. Sin is defeated. Death is defeated. Jesus Christ won so long ago, and you are victorious in Him who makes you new.

Don’t stop running the race you were running so well.

#victory #sin #trials #running