Are you always running from situations when things get tough and you don't immediately see a way out or triumph? Do you let fear chase you down that you run away so fast without giving it a second thought? Do you think (and feel) you are all alone experiencing such a situation and no one else could ever understand--that's why you need to leave, run, or disappear completely? What if you STOP and THINK for a minute? Just PAUSE... and see what happens.
You may realize that the situation can be redeemed or better yet, it's actually not as deep or as complicated as you imagined or feel or it "appears" to be. You may look around and seek some wise counsel: "Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory." (Proverbs 11:14, NASB). What a thought--ask for help? In addition, you may realize (and find out) that you are not alone going through that situation--even though it feels like your situation is beyond repair or resolve that it doesn't compare to anyone else. Don't compare... but realize that you are not alone, many have gone through similar challenges and made it through... and you can and WILL make it through. Be fearless and not distracted by the "enormity" of the issue.
Today, I encourage you to STOP and THINK! Running away is not the best solution--it's only an option, that will not lead to victory or resolve. Stop and think about how things could be resolved, mended and restored. Face the giant fearlessly. Don't write off that situation or issue as another loss and easily give up when there is still a glimmer of hope... a few flames flickering that could rekindle the fire and make things better. Whatever the tough situation you are facing or have been facing lately--and you have been contemplating and strategizing how to end it or run away, STOP and THINK! Seek wise counsel--advice. You can and will get through it a winner!
This morning I read about Elijah the prophet in 1 Kings 19 when he ran away from Jezebel "in fear of his life" and feeling all alone--the only prophet left. The truth is, he wasn't alone for there were over 7,000 Elijah didn't know about (1 Kings 18:4 and 1 Kings 19:18) and he had God on his side--he had no reason to fear or run. But he did run, like we often do when a situation gets "tough" and we "can't handle it" or simply say, "I've had enough!" God allowed Elijah to "go through the motions" and he ended up in fast for 40 days and 40 nights, traveling 180 miles, a journey which could have taken him less than 10 days to take to reach Mount Horeb. After complaining and running, Elijah had to return--he went back and faced his "giant." What I took away is that God is always there, watching, waiting and guiding. But we need to do our part to inquire of Him in every situation--positive and negative. More so in the negative situations because our instinct is always to run when the going gets tough. Don't run if you haven't inquired of the Lord and heard (received) His response. Today... STOP and THINK... and ask God to help you through this tough situation.
