Run from Sin and Run to God

“She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house.” Genesis 39:12 NIV

In a story titled “Runner beats train to summit of Mount Washington” published by WMUR9 News out of New Hampshire, it was reported that “A runner from Colorado beat a train to the top of Mount Washington on Saturday. Joseph Gray, of Colorado, was among about 400 participants in this year's Race the Cog event. He beat the 9 a.m. Cog Railway train to the top of the summit, according to Northeast Delta Dental President and CEO Tom Raffio. Raffio said Gray was the only runner to beat the train. He completed the race in 39 minutes and 54 seconds. Gray had to run through fog and light rain on steep terrain to complete the run. By beating the train, he got a $1,000 bonus from Northeast Delta Dental, Raffio said. Gray also beat the lead Cog train in 2022. Raffio said beating the lead train to the summit has only happened twice during the event, and both times it was Gray who accomplished the feat.” Wow right? 

And, you know, as this story shows, “beating the train” was no easy task. You can be sure it required every bit of Gray’s energy and effort. This is the same spiritual energy and effort believers need to display when it comes to “beating the train” spiritually speaking. You see, as the tale of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife shows, the temptation to sin in many ways is like a speeding train that can gain on us quickly—giving us little time to react. Which is why we, like Joseph, must be ready to run the moment sin demands we submit to its deadly grip—-and to submit instead to God. It’s then that the devil runs from us!

So, when sin comes speedily to take you captive, take your thoughts captive instead my friend. And then run! This will allow you to “beat the train” and take hold of the prize. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that, through You, we have the power to run away from sin and to cause the devil to run away from us. Help us to take all our sinful thoughts captive Lord that we might run the race with endurance and not get off track. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!