“In the Lord I take refuge. How then can you say to me: “Flee like a bird to your mountain.’”
Psalm 11:1
In the 1984 Olympic Games hosted by Los Angeles, there was a memorable event in the women’s 3000 meter race. Two premier long distance runners were entered: Zola Budd, a South African running for Great Britain, and Mary Decker from the U.S.A. During the race, the two bumped. Budd landed awkwardly and was cut deeply by Decker’s spikes, but was able to continue. She finished a disappointing seventh. Mary Decker suffered a pulled left hip stabilizer muscle. Her injury put her out of the race.
In a spiritual sense, there are many Mary Deckers today. Wounded, they have quit running the race. Among the many images of life found in Scripture, there is the image of the runner and the image of battle. As believers in Jesus Christ we begin with a birth, but we discover quickly that this journey we are on is more like a battle. It is very difficult to persevere in a battle. In 1 Kings, chapter 22, the Bible records the time when King Ahab of Israel joined with Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, to battle against Syria. In the midst of the chaos, Ahab is struck by an arrow. He groans to the driver of his chariot, “Wheel around and get me out of the fighting. I’ve been wounded.” (verse 34)
There are many like Ahab who have been wounded in the battle for souls and have forsaken their place. The Scriptures are full of these warnings and admonitions. Galatians 5:7 says, “You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?” A disturbing part of our culture today is an aversion to any kind of commitment. Our society is short on longevity and long on short-term, quick, instant “what have you done for me lately” attitudes. God teaches us differently through His Word to persevere.
Prayer Focus: Pray that our church will persevere with what the Lord has entrusted to us. Ask the Lord whom you can encourage to persevere today. Proverbs 11:25 says, “…he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Claim this promise as you act upon it.
