“Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.’” Matthew 2:13 ESV
Some people would describe me as a runner. Yes, in recent years I have picked up the activity of running for improved physical health and also there are seasons in life when I just wanted to run away because the pressure was too much. (Think Runaway Bride without the weddings!) In some instances, I did run either to a new job or a new city all in an effort to escape. What hindsight has revealed to me is that being on the run is often an ingredient to fulfilling God’s purpose.
Shortly after Jesus was born and the wise men came to visit, an angel of the Lord told Joseph that the family had to go to Egypt because King Herod was threatened by Jesus’ birth and wanted him dead. Can we just pause and think about the pressure Joseph had found himself in recently: 1) the woman he was engaged to becomes pregnant by God, 2) he plans to quietly divorce her but God tells him not to 3) the baby is born in a stable because no traditional rooms were available 4) shortly after the birth Joseph has to guide Mary who just gave birth and a newborn to Egypt (which is not his homeland) via camel or donkey. Talk about the pressures of life!
In order for God’s Word to be fulfilled concerning Jesus, these pressures of life had to happen for Joseph. That’s the thing about God though, in order for any of His promises to be fulfilled, pressure-filled life situations that often cause unplanned or unwanted transition is necessary. The same was true for Moses when he went “on the run” in the wilderness (Exodus 1-14), Joseph when he was “on the run” in prison and servitude (Genesis 37-50), and even Jesus left the daily activities of ministry to fast and pray “on the run” in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-13). Being “on the run” for each of these Bible greats helped them fulfill God’s purpose and it was not comfortable, convenient, or cute!
The same is true for us. Often we want the victory without the struggle. There is a purpose that God has for each one of us. There are so many gifts that He has deposited in us before we were born that He wants us to use regularly. Sometimes those gifts are so buried that similar to a diamond that emerges from coal, fire, heat, and pressure are required for the beauty to emerge.
I can only encourage you that if you find yourself in an “on the run” season of life, lean into it and don’t fight it. Be prayerful about what it is the Lord is trying to reveal to you and do within you during that season. Spend more time reading the Bible, a living document that can help you make connections to everyday life. Consult wise counsel and those who you know walk with the Lord for Godly advice. And always remember the words of the apostle Paul, “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).
Photo by Mitchell Orr on Unsplash
Reflection
When have I been “on the run” in life? What lessons did I learn during that season? When pressure-filled life moments occur, how do I respond? How can I change my perspective and lean into the rough times?
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the purpose You have for my life. Forgive me of the times I tried to avoid my “on the run” seasons. Grant me better discernment to understand how You’re moving in my life. Help me to see things from Your perspective and overcome obstacles in Your power, not my own. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Comments