IT’S OKAY TO RUN

DAY 128

Acts 14:5-6 And when a violent attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to abuse and stone them, they became aware of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region.

In the text today, Paul and Barnabas found out they were going to be mistreated and stoned to death by their opponents. So armed with this information, they fled to Lystra and Derbe. It is worth nothing that while the Holy Spirit resisted their teaching in Asia, God does not offer any resistance to this flight. Infact, upon arrival, a lame man was made whole and while their lives were being threatened in one terrain, in another, they were about to be honoured immensely.

We live in a world where many people have become advocates for ‘face things head-on and take the bull by the horn’. This is a motto recommended in all situations: don’t back down, stand your ground and face whatever comes at you by digging your feet in. Running away from any situation at all is deemed cowardice.

But you know what, there are times when you just have to walk away or run away. There are some battles you don’t have to fight. Why? Because:

• you could find yourself expending energy in an unprofitable venture
• you could, in a very literal sense, lose your life and the purpose attached to it.

Beloved, learn to choose your battles.
You may be courageous, bold and have a good track record in fighting. However, realise that standing to fight isn’t always the answer. God does suggest fleeing in some battles. Even Jesus, had to be taken into Egypt to preserve his life. It’s okay to run and not fight some battles. Don’t let men encourage you into fighting battles that come with hefty costs.

#sly