"I Run Thus"
Posted on November 30, 2017 by Graeme Wilson in Freedom Fighters
“So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.” — Acts 19:20
We all “run thus”, but is your race run with certainty? Running with certainty must be a thought out purposeful track, and it’s course should be guided by a standard by which we run. But it’s not just running, it’s fighting. The interesting thing is if we’re in Christ, the race we run and the war we fight is already won, but “We Run Thus.”
We may lose some battles but the war is over. When I look around at all the opposition, I sometimes get caught up in thinking “It feels like we’re losing,” but then I’m reminded that God’s plan is going to prevail. Sometimes there are battles that can’t be won, but being able to bring truth to light in that battle is the only purpose, knowing the true battle belongs to the Lord. So, as I run this race, it can be a slippery slope as I navigate through issues that are ungodly and find myself wanting to go to battle against them. As I shine a light in a dark area, I find opposition and allies, those that choose to stand on one side or the other and then there are those that choose to not take a stand at all.
In going through the book of Acts, I see towards the end that the Apostle Paul seems to step up as the main character, and he becomes the focal point of Luke’s narrative by taking on the call for which he was called. In chapter 19, Luke throws in a verse that brings all things into perspective, “So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.” In an up-and-down journey where Paul navigates through Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, he uses different techniques according to the customs of that day and place. Paul never waivers or compromises God’s word, he says in 1st Corinthians “Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”
If you’re a fighter and have been called to shine a light in a dark place, I would encourage you to read the book of Acts. Paul lays out a strategy that keeps him from becoming disqualified and ultimately plants and waters to allow the word of the Lord to grow and prevail. He seems to carefully weave thru the opposition as he has numerous victories along the way. His ability to speak without reproach is the key. He can speak truth which for some is life changing and for others it’s offensive, but he never steps outside the proverbial course or ring while doing so.
The tendencies I face as a believer is to be able to bring out a point without sinning. Knowing when to speak and when not to. My biggest critics are not only those that oppose me, but also those that sit back and say nothing. I don’t expect everyone to be vocal on issues of the day, there are some who are not gifted in discernment, especially if your gift is encouraging or admonishment. These can be in direct opposition to their thought process.
For those of us that seem to be more sensitive to current events that are in direct conflict with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we have a battle to fight, but remember, don’t disqualify yourself by stepping outside the perimeters of God’s word. And for those that are standing on the sidelines, be careful not to judge another man’s convictions. Remember, we are all in this together and with the Lord Jesus at the helm we have already won, Amen!
Written by Rob Russomano: Rob Russomano is married to Terri, he is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a full time staff member. He is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can contact him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org.
The Daily Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 11-12| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here
Daily Quote: “Do not be lazy. Run each day’s race with all your might, so that at the end you will receive the victory wreath from God. Keep on running even when you have had a fall. The victory wreath is won by him who does not stay down, but always gets up again, grasps the banner of faith and keeps on running in the assurance that Jesus is Victor.”
This Week’s Verse to Memorize:
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; Colossians 4:2
Want to get away & have dedicated time to read & learn God’s Word?
Consider a retreat at America’s Keswick retreat center.
