Heed the red flags

“A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.” Proverbs 27:12 NLT

In an article posted by Runner’s World recently, the question many new runners ponder was asked. “How can you tell when it’s time for new shoes?” In response to that, the writer said: If you haven’t been keeping track of your current pair’s mileage, Sika Henry, a Virginia-based tri-athlete, recommends inspecting their appearance from top to bottom. Check to see if there are holes forming in the mesh upper, the foam looks deflated/lopsided, or the once-grippy tread is starting to disappear. “Some tell-tale signs of a worn-out running shoe are when the design or pattern of the outsole begins to disappear,” she said. “This usually occurs in the same place for all of my shoes—the soles wear thin around the outer edge because I overpronate.” In addition to keeping an eye on the condition of the shoe, Henry also suggests paying attention to how your body feels during and after a run. “When I start feeling aches and pains in my knee and hips, that is a red flag that my sneakers most likely need to be replaced.”

And you know, when it comes to heeding red flags aka warnings of danger, the Bible tells us that “A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions, but “the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.” Which means that the wise person takes notice of the uncomfortable, nervous, and skeptical feelings they are experiencing about a person or situation—acknowledging that it’s the Holy Spirit saying, “Watch out, there’s danger ahead!” You see, God is our faithful guide and our loving counselor who has promised to lead us through life and to be with us in every season. In His great goodness and mercy toward us, He gives us red flags in our hearts if something or someone ahead will bring danger or destruction so that we can avoid it or them. 

So be the “prudent person” and pay careful attention to the Holy Spirit’s prompting to do this or to avoid that my friend. And remember…God isn't trying to keep you from having fun but working to keep you on the right path so that you will not only “avoid the consequences” of going astray—consequences such as pain, heartache, and wasted days—but so that you can live out your God-given purpose with no hindrances.

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the Holy Spirt to dwell within us and guide us. Help us to recognize the Spirit’s promptings Lord but, more importantly, cause us to heed and obey them so that we can avoid the consequences that comes from going blindly on in disobedience. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!