We May be Delayed but Not Deterred

“We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NLT

In a story titled “Inside 'Hardest Geezer' Russ Cook's 10,000-mile odyssey: How marathon runner was robbed at gunpoint, held hostage by machete-wielding villagers and endured health struggles on journey across 16 countries from South Africa to Tunisia in 352 days,” the trials Russ had to endure to complete his mission were chronicled. Among other things, Russ survived being held at gunpoint by robbers, a terrifying hostage ordeal and multiple health problems - including urinating blood. But now the self-declared 'Hardest Geezer' Russ Cook has finally completed his mammoth challenge of running more than 10,000 miles across the length of the African continent. Starting in Cape Agulhas, South Africa, the 27-year-old jogging fanatic reached the first border crossing to Namibia just over two weeks later. Crossing 16 countries as he ran the equivalent of 385 marathons, he completed his 10,100-mile run to Ras Angela, Tunisia, in 352 days - and claimed to be the first person to ever run the length of the African continent…. He originally hoped to achieve the mega distance in 240 days, but different obstacles have delayed his finish by around 100 days.

And you know, when it comes to obstacles in our spiritual lives, Paul was delayed many times along the journey to complete the mission of making Jesus’ great name known by trials and tribulations most of us could not bear. But Paul, despite being “pressed on every side,” perplexed, hunted down, and repeatedly knocked down was not crushed, driven to despair, never abandoned by God, and never destroyed. He might have been deferred but he was never deterred from finishing the calling the Lord had given him, never stopping until he reached the final finish line. 

So don’t fall into the trap of thinking that if someone is really spiritual or really used of God they will live in a constant state of victory my friend. Life will not always be easy for the true believer. But we must press on to the finish line in spite of it all, not slowing down for even one moment in fulfilling the calling of knowing Jesus and making His great Name known. We have only one life to live… we must make it count. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we were never promised a life of ease. In fact, those believers who choose to stand firm on the Truths laid out in the Bible should expect and prepare themselves for the trials and the tribulations that are to come as the return of our Savior draws near. Help us to prepare our hearts and our minds now so that we will be ready to press on. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!