The Lord comes to the rescue

"The righteous person faces many troubles, but the LORD comes to the rescue each time." Psalm 34:19 NLT

In an article titled “Runners Can Exhale! No Cutoff for 2023 Boston Marathon” published by Runner’s World yesterday, the writer said, “ For the second year in a row, all runners who applied to run the Boston Marathon will be accepted into the race, as long as they have a valid qualifying time.” And while this might be good news to those athletes who have qualified, it’s indicative of a trend that’s being felt by the majority of people all around the world. The rising cost of every day essentials like food, fuel, and electricity is forcing people to make some tough choices. Do I pay for a race that I don't have to participate in or save the money for the things I need to live? In fact, the writer had this to say about it: Athletes cite the expense of race entry fees and the high cost of travel required to get to events, wariness about COVID-19, and shifting motivations as reasons why they’re not racing as frequently as they did in 2019 and the early days of 2020. It appears even the Boston Marathon is not immune from these trends. You know the recession is getting serious when the iconic Boston Marathon is affected. 

And you know, as our world continues to spiral into moral decline and the price of basic necessities continue to rise as the result, you and I would do well to remember that we, as believers, are not immune from experiencing the problems, difficulties, distresses, and trials that come with the consequences of sin (whether it be our personal sin or the sins of a nation). Thankfully though, the Bible tells us that when (because it's not a matter of if but when), "the righteous person faces many troubles... the Lord comes to the rescue each time." Do you just love that or what? That means no matter how bleak a situation might appear, those who have put their trust in Jesus Christ have nothing to fear.

So resist the urge to be fearful or anxious each time you turn on the news or hear reports of impending disaster my friend. Look up instead and trust the One who has promised to deliver us from the evil one and to work all things for our good. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that being a Christian doesn't make us immune from the troubles of the world but gives us hope in the midst of them, knowing that You will not allow any harm to come to us that doesn't serve a purpose. Help us to trust You more than ever in the coming days so that we would remain joyful and hopeful no matter what. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!