Be ready for the unexpected

“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,.” 2 Timothy 3:12 NIV

In an article posted by The Guardian over the weekend, the following was reported: One runner was killed and another seriously injured on Sunday when they were struck by lightning during a nighttime trail race up a Greek mountain, local police said. The two men were competing in the Six Peaks race, which takes place on Mount Falakro in northern Greece, when lightning struck the group of runners. The incident happened at 4am at an altitude of 1,340 metres (4,400 feet). Two fire service rescue squads ascended the mountain from the nearby town of Drama to find one runner, 55, already dead and another, 56, seriously injured. The 22.2-mile race had started at 7pm on Saturday in the village of Pyrgoi, and was scheduled to take place over Falakro’s six highest peaks in Greece, which are all more than 6,500ft high. The writer went on to say that the weather was good when the race started but during the night heavy rain developed and the trail became muddy. By the time the lightning struck, several of the 55 runners taking part had reached the finish line. Talk about how quickly circumstances can go from bad to worse. The runners still out on the course had no time to prepare for the danger that was headed their way.

And you know, when it comes to things that can go from bad to worse, the Bible tells us that a time is coming soon when “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” In fact, this is just one of the many things already happening all around the world that Paul told Timothy would signal the beginning of the end days. Thankfully though, these warnings of what to expect in the period before the imminent return of our Savior were written down in Scripture so that you and I could be prepared for the danger heading our way.

So study the Word diligently and commit it to memory my friend. It will not only equip you to battle the dangers ahead but is useful for useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that you and I will be thoroughly equipped for every good work until that day comes. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the Word that not only tells us that Jesus is coming back but gives us every weapon we will need to stand firm in our faith and fight the battles that are coming before He does. Compel us to study the pages of the Bible like we never have before Lord so that when things go from bad to worse, we will be ready. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!