Remember and Repent

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV

Like hundreds of other runners around the United States this Memorial Day morning who have the day off, I will be joining friends and fellow patriots for a long run. This won’t be just any ordinary run though. We will be putting forth purposeful steps to honor the memory of our nation’s fallen military heroes— those brave men and women who sacrificed their lives to give us the freedoms we enjoy today—by joining in a circle of remembrance before setting out to log some bittersweet miles while carrying our American flags in an effort to remind those around us that this day isn’t about barbecues, parties, and relaxation… but about paying tribute to those who have earned it. 

And you know, when it comes to remembrance, it’s plain to see that we are a nation that has, for the most part, not only failed to remember that we are free only because of the sacrifice of thousands of brave men and women who fought and died for our freedoms, but we are a nation that has forgotten God as well. And because of that, we are now a nation experiencing increasing lawlessness, spiraling moral decay, and a growing lack of love and compassion for others. Not all hope is lost though. There is a cure for our condition. And it’s this… we must humble ourselves, and pray, and seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways. It’s only then that we will hear from heaven, and God will forgive our sin, and will heal our land. In other words, we must remember, repent, and return to God. 

So as you go about your day today, thank God for the eternal life He granted you by the death of His Son Jesus Christ on the cross my friend. And then take a moment to pray, pause and remember those who gave their lives so you and I could be free.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus and His sacrifice. He gave His life so that we could be free from the penalty of sin. And thank You for all the brave soldiers who died to give us the freedoms we now enjoy. Lord, today cause us to consider how far we have strayed from You and to turn back before it’s too late. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!