The best option

"You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.''" 2 Chronicles 20:17 NIV

Like many runners, Evan Matthews of Wyoming went out for a run over the weekend and brought along his cell phone. And it was a good thing he did because it allowed him to capture an encounter with a bear that will hopefully educate other runners on how to react if they too come face to face with a predator. As you can see in the video, Evan was heading back to his car when he spotted the bear who kept getting closer. Evan's next actions, as reported by Out There Colorado, most likely saved him from being attacked. One thing worth pointing out is that the runner stopped running. Running can trigger a chase response in some predators, making slowly backing away the best option. The runner in the video also continued talking to the animal. Talking is also helpful as this can remind the animal that you're not typical prey. As black bears are coming out of hibernation, they're hungry. Thankfully, human is not part of their standard diet. If you encounter a black bear in the wild, realize that it probably doesn't want to eat you and is most likely to attack if threatened. Slowly and calmly leave the area. Don't run and back away while facing the bear, but avoiding direct eye contact.

And you know, as scary as this situation was, the chances of any of us facing a predator attack while running is slim-to-none. However, the chances of us facing a spiritual attack are absolutely certain. And our best option when this happens is not to run but to take up our positions and courageously stand firm facing our enemy with the complete confidence that the Lord will give us deliverance. You see, you and I "will not have to fight" these battles if we ask for God's help. He will fight for us and God always triumphs. Which means, when we battle temptations, struggles, uncertainties and "the powers of this dark world," we need not be afraid or discouraged. 

So no matter what type of predator or problem you might be facing today, stand firm my friend. Keep your eyes focused on Christ and remember that there's absolutely nothing to fear because there is NOTHING that can stand against the power of our God who wins every battle. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for this timely reminder that not even the biggest army is a threat to You which means it's not a threat to us. Cause us to remember that You have never once lost a battle or broken a promise which means we can fully trust You to fight our battles and to work all things for our good and for Your glory. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Battle belongs - Phil Wickham