Be a Prudent Believer

“A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.” Proverbs 22:3 NLT

In a story titled “Rocky River runner attack suspect still at large; Metroparks Police say parks remain safe” published by ABC News 5 Cleveland on Wednesday, the writer said, “Over a week ago, a woman was attacked while on a run in the Metroparks. While the suspect remains at large, the Metroparks police chief insists the parks are still safe as the investigation continues… The concern among some park goers comes after Vani Shukla told police she was attacked at the Rocky Reservation Saturday, Sept. 6, while on a 20-mile run. She said she was grabbed from behind and strangled until she fell unconscious. “Her description of this male was an unknown race, taller than 5’8’, wearing dark clothing and possibly a hooded sweatshirt,” said Metro Parks Police Chief Kelly Stillman. The incident occurred just after 8:30 p.m., along the all-purpose trail between Brookway and the Rocky River Nature Center...”

And while Metro Parks continue to declare that the park is safe, many runners like Hannah Tansey, who is a regular at Rocky River Reservation, aren’t buying it. “It's beautiful, especially when the foliage changes,” said Tansey. But after hearing Vani Shukla’s story, Tansey’s taking extra precautions. In fact, she even posted on Instagram that she now runs with her boyfriend, who also serves as her bodyguard. This was a very wise move on Hannah’s part.

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,

without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—

having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

2 Timothy 3:1-1-5

This is also a very wise move on the part of all believers in the times that we are living in… the terrible times that Paul warned Timothy would come upon believers in the last days, and are now here. 

And while many politicians, government officials, and mainstream news and media outlets deny the increase in violent crimes—which we know are caused by the rapid spiritual degradation (that shows itself in the increasing manifestation of the ungodly behaviors Paul listed in 2 Timothy) taking place in our world today—the prudent person, with unveiled spiritual eyes to see through the lies, “foresees danger”, discerns the times, and takes precautions to avoid harm. The simpleton, however (the one with veiled eyes who chooses to follow the god of this world rather than the one true God), goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

So, don’t be misled my friend. These are perilous times we are living in, no matter what anyone says. We mustn’t live our lives in fear by any means though, but must be bold in sharing the Gospel no matter the cost. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that our enemy, the devil, is busy at work through those people whose eyes have been blinded. Help us to be sober minded and alert at all times to avoid danger Lord, but unafraid to face it when we must. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!