“Difficult seasons often lead to new opportunities and surprising blessings!”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – March 21, 2025
Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi. 2 Samuel 18:23
My friend Nathan is a runner. A member of our local running club, he regularly competes with others in their mid-40s and finishes in the top five. Running is more than a hobby for Nathan. It’s a passion. A passion birthed as a young man and a passion that today is the outlet for him to celebrate seven years of sobriety. I’m learning from my young friend that the secret to his success is running with purpose with a goal in mind. What a delight to watch a brother in Christ run away from his old life shackled by unhealthy choices to now running toward the Lord, freed up and feeling his heavenly and earthly Father’s pleasure. Beautiful to behold. Nathan’s story inspires us to run toward our high calling of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. A good run.
We’ve all faced tough times—whether from poor choices or what feels like a streak of “bad luck.” Financial challenges can arise from job loss and extended unemployment. Unexpected expenses pile up, creating additional pressure, or a bad investment may not yield the expected returns. Going through a breakup or divorce after years of commitment is undoubtedly hard. Feeling betrayed by a friend or family member can bring on the heavy weight of loneliness, anger, and shame. A run of bad luck can be disheartening, but it’s not the end of your story. Faith, resilience, and perseverance can transform setbacks into comebacks. Many people discover that difficult seasons often lead to new opportunities and surprising blessings!
In 2 Samuel 18, after Absalom’s rebellion against King David, David’s army, led by Joab, defeats Absalom’s forces. Absalom is caught in a tree by his long hair and is killed by Joab, despite David’s request to spare him. After the battle, Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok the priest, asks Joab for permission to deliver the news to David. Joab refuses, knowing that the news of Absalom’s death will deeply grieve the king, and instead sends Cushi as the messenger. However, Ahimaaz insists and is allowed to run. He takes a faster route and outruns Cushi but only tells David of the victory, avoiding Absalom’s death. When Cushi arrives later, he delivers the full message, and David mourns bitterly for his son. A good runner carried the good news.
Hebrews 12:1-2 inspires us, “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Not just a good run, but the best run! What does it look like to run with perseverance, keeping our eyes of faith focused on the author of our faith, Jesus Christ? Running with perseverance means keeping your attention and affection on Jesus, regardless of obstacles. Picture yourself in a race—your legs are tired, the road is rough, and distractions try to pull you aside. But you press on, fixing your gaze ahead, knowing the finish line holds something more significant than any struggle. Run for a greater purpose.
And as you run, you carry the good news of the gospel—not just for yourself but also for passing hope to others along the way. Every step you take, every act of love, every word of encouragement—all point people to Jesus. You share the Gospel unashamed through kindness, truth, and unwavering faith. Even when the race gets tough, you hold onto the message of grace and keep going, knowing the finish line isn’t just for you—it’s for everyone willing to run. So, run with faith, love fearlessly, and let your life shine as you bring the Good News to a world in need! Be a good and faithful runner boldly carrying the best news ever—Jesus loves you!
Prayer
Lord, strengthen me to run this race with faith and endurance. Help me share Your Good News boldly, love others deeply, and reflect Your light in all I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Application
What does it look like for you to persevere by faith while sharing the good news of Jesus Christ?
Related Reading
Isaiah 40:31; Proverbs 18:10; 1 Corinthians 9:24-25; 2 Timothy 4:7
Worship Resource
Brooke Ligertwood & Brian Johnson: One
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