Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. – 1 John 2:4-6
There’s a culture beckoning us to go our own way.
It doesn’t matter if you’re fifteen or fifty. Every day there will be voices that tempt you to walk in the ways of the world.
Believe this.
Compromise here.
Go there.
Do that.
Our own hard hearts can lead us astray.
Our pride and staunch independence can get the best of us, and our level of faith is often conditional on the circumstances around us.
Like Jonah, when God says, “Go,” we stubbornly say, “No.”
We give in to our flesh, look for the “easy” way out, and try to run from His presence. We’re stingy with grace towards others because we forget how much grace we’ve been given. The ridiculousness of outrunning God would almost seem humorous, except that it can be horribly dangerous and sinfully disobedient. One day we’re rebelliously taking off in our own direction, and the next – when we’re desperately in need of rescuing – we identify as His: “I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.” (Jonah 1:9)
Oh God, forgive us for going our own way.
Forgive us for thinking we know better than You.
Today, right now… are you running from God?
____________
Maybe you’re running away from the protection and freedom of God’s way, and instead you find yourself in a rebellious path of sin.
Maybe you’re running from broken relationships when God is clearly directing you towards reconciliation.
Maybe you’re running from a ministry assignment that seems too big or too impossible, and you’re spending way more time focusing in on your weakness instead of leaning into His strength.
Maybe you’re running from the uncomfortable – the people… the city… the job… the unknown – because the pressure is closing in on every side and you can’t possibly see how this is all going to work out.
Maybe you’re running from God himself – putting ultimatums on the Creator of the Universe, stubbornly announcing that you won’t believe unless you first see (see John 20:29).
____________
We can run, but praise God, He won’t let us get too far. He is a God who relentlessly pursues; a God who mercifully forgives; a God who extends such amazing grace that we’re never, ever too far gone. It may be a hard and humbling step, but believe HIM when He says that incredible freedom awaits for those who walk according to the Spirit (Romans 8:1-4).
Maybe you need to write these next three phrases out on a card this week as a reminder. Place it where you need it most – in your Bible, on your mirror, in your purse or car, or maybe even under your pillow – when peace escapes you and when conviction comes. Fill your mind up with God’s Word every single day and repeat what you know to be true (even if – especially if – you can’t quite feel it just yet).
God’s got this.
Stop running.
Start trusting.
Go where He says go. Stay where He says stay. Do what He says to do. You can obey confidently and quickly, because His ways always bring life, purpose, peace, and provision – in His time and His way.
At His feet,
Let’s talk: If today you’re making a decision to stop running from God, please let us know in the comments (and find someone locally who can encourage you and keep you accountable). Our team would be honored to pray for you.
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I have been looking up to God for something and yesterday I kinda got tired and lashed out. I decided to take steps in direction which God wasn’t leading. I thank God for my godly parents and most importantly the Holy Spirit who cautioned. We just get tired and w are prone to try it out ourselves. It never works that way.
I am running, but to be honest I do not know why. My 18 year old son committed suicide a little over a year ago. When I spend time in God’s presence there is relief and comfort. Yet I run, I fill my time and my mind with so much there is little room for anything else. I am making my way back in faith, trusting Him to get me there. I felt led to start a personal blog of my journey. I did not want to. I did not want the pressure of trying to figure out what to write. So I am just going to write about this process God is taking me through. I have been asking God, “Why do I run?” I started searching and found your blog.
I an running from God– his Assignment
Rita, I am so, so sorry. I cannot imagine the pain that you hold in your heart. I have been running from God as well. I have a 19 year old son who has had issues with his mental health, and now is addicted to drugs. He is still alive, but I am aware that any day I could receive a call telling me that he is not. I know that I should be on my knees begging God for his deliverance, and I have done that often. But lately I am so angry with God. God created him knowing that he has mental health problems and that he is genetically predisposed to addiction. Why would he do that?… I will be praying for you, that you would feel the peace and comfort of God in the midst of your pain.
My heart is aching and my stomach hurts at the thought of how consumed in sin I’ve been. I feel so ashamed of myself and it feels like God could never love me. I feel like I won’t be able to go to Heaven because of how awful I am. I can’t stop running from Him. I don’t understand why I can’t just stay in His presence daily.
I’m running away from a marriage God is leading me to because my worst enemies are his mom and her best friend. I have no unforgiveness toward them but I cry in deep suffering over thoughts of having to continue on with them. I know that if I humble myself before them they will do what’s godly, but will also treat as something very pitiful and exalt themselves above me. I completely dread the will of God for my life. I’m afraid of going to hell for disobedience. I can’t find peace or rest in His because I am running away from Him. I’m really hurting.
Ive been growing impatient waiting for certain events to transpire in my life, though I know Im to trust timing and accept where I currently am. Ive recently been trying to take back my will and do things my way in an effort to rush progress, and its definitely backfired this week. Ironically enough (its not really ironic), I opened this app yesterday for the first time in several weeks and found this study. Im committing to letting go and trusting.
I didn’t realize I was running until now. I’ve been running from the truth that He IS enough, that He IS my strength, that He does have GOOD plans for me to prosper me and not to harm me, and that He who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it. I’ve been instead, running from these things telling myself that I’m not enough… that the pressure at work is too great… that I’ll never fully be as successful as expected… etc. LIES that feel like truth. LORD, help me to run TO YOU and have complete faith. Your ways are greater than I can see – help me to trust You 100% and let GO of this anxiety. In Jesus’ Name!
Dear Kelsey! His strength is sufficent for you. Just rest in that live. You are enough because he is your father. He is intrested and involved in every aspect of your life. You are not alone so fear not. Blessings.
My dear! Same here. I am trusting and letting go. God will come to your aid. He is always in time. It won’t be long. He will show up. May He help us wait and tryst Him. I was reading genesis today and something struck me. I got online to find out hos many years passed from when Jesus was promised to Adam and Eve till when He came and it was a whole 4000 years. That’s massive. But God said it and it happened. He didn’t forget, He didn’t get tired, he didn’t look for an alternative. As far as He has said it, as far as it is in His word, He will do it!
I found your message by searching “Why do I keep running away from God?” I have been a Christian for over 40 yrs and can sincerely testify His presence in my life and many answered prayers. I’m tired, struggling with full-time work and attempting to meet the needs of my 2 adult disabled sons. I was painfully divorced 4 yrs ago and lost my home. I got into a relationship with a man who has a good heart but I knew I wasn’t to pursue so with God’s grace I ended it, but I took up smoking ciggarettes again and have been for almost 4 yrs. I know my Heavenly Father is convicting me to quit and I have tried many times but the truth is that I don’t want to ~ I am using it as a stress reliever. I believe He is always working in me to “will and do”, but I am really struggling with this. I fear God and feel like this has been a stumbling block for me basking in His presence as I used to. I know Hus wird ~ I can do all things through Jesus who gives us strength. I’m in prayer and His Word daily but I feel so distant and convicted. Please pray that my desires line up with His and I can finally break free and move forward in a deeper, intimate relationship with Him. Thank you for your ministry.
Vickie, I am struck by your words, “I am using it as a stress reliever.” You discussed your smoking and the difficulty you are having in giving it up. I believe addictions are the biggest interference in our relationships with God. I, too, have been battling an addiction, not to any substance, but to my excessive use of the Internet. This is more of an emotional addiction rather than physical, but it has the same consequence. We are ashamed of ourselves because of how our addictions are affecting our relationships with the Lord. For me, Bible study has become the solution. I used the Internet to find a good Bible study, and I found Love God Greatly. Now, I know I can use the Internet for something good that will help me focus my life in a different direction, in a positive direction – toward God. I love how I feel when I am studying God’s word. When writing my prayers and reflections, I am learning to be honest about myself. After all, God knows what is in my heart, it is ridiculous for me to try to fool Him. Immersing myself in God’s word has become my stress reliever. You are right about I can do all things through Jesus who gives us strength. This is where it began for me, and this is where it can begin for you. Parts of these courses instruct us to write phrases and passages on cards and put them around our house. Find verses that can help you battle this addiction. When I need special verses, I look them up on the Internet. This is another area where the Internet can help us. I get a list of verses, and I read them. Let your love for God become your major tool in your battle against cigarettes. I know you are very busy, but when you are able to carve some time out for your own Bible reading, spend that time immersed in His word. You have a great challenge ahead, but allow God to help you with that and all of your other life’s challenges. I am 67 years old, and I am finally learning these lessons. I will pray for you.
The bible says the vision is for an appointed time. Though it tarry it will not tarry. Wait for it. I smoked for 10 years and I’ve been quit for 3 weeks. I used to cry and beg God to deliver me but I’m just now not smoking. I think God had Grace for me and a permissible time period for me to quit. Just keep praying and don’t give up
I am on ain internet dating site. I desire to be married. But I get messaged and don’t reply – I don’t think I’m organised enough to be someone’s potential wife/ my house isn’t good enough/ I’m not. I don’t know if I’m running or not.
Hello Macy. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Our God got you covered. Just trust in Him and allow Him do his thing in your life. Trust me you will be grateful you allowed him to.
Dear Lord I commit your daughter to you, may she feel your hands always around her. Guide her in life in Jesus name. Amen.
I’ve been asked to…work in the house sometimes thru night. But I hate this. Also to eat right and go swimming so I can be fit and well. But it’s all so hard.
I have been asked to start a womens ministry in our small church. I certainly have been running from this. I feel so inadequate. And I am hearing many words of failure from the Liar… I just said yes and am terrified of failure. Please pray that I do God’s will and support these women how they need it.
Dear Micki! Being called to serve God and His people is the most rewarding and noble call of life. You have said yes and you are not a failure. His hands are mighty in you to help you do all He needs of you. It is His work and he will direct and guide your hands and heart to do what needs to be done. God is with you dear. Amen.
Stop running. Ive been running from so many things- specifically something I feel like God has called me to, but it feels like an uphill battle. And I took small setbacks as total and utter defeat and gave up because it was too hard. I knew I needed God but it wasnt working out like how I thought it was. Today, Im going to be bountifully praying for God to have his will with the journey.
Yesterday, I got so angry at someone because I thought they had did something to my daughter. It was a misunderstanding. My 10 year old daughter was so quick to forgive, but I didn’t want to forgive. I was so slow to offer grace. I need prayer to be a forgiving person and not get so angry and ranting when someone mistreats us.
Dear Flamy. Grace is released upon you right now to be all that God need you to be. Your life is filled with his goodness and grace and you are a shinning light all the rest of your days. Amen.
I still dont understand how people hear God. Sometimes I think they just think they hear him but are not sure . I know it must line up with Gods word but I dont hear him telling me to go here or do that . I pray and I still dont have any idea what to do . What am I missing ? Everyone makes it sound so easy and that frustrates me because I think what am I doing wrong . I prayed and asked for forgiveness , I try to live the right life but still feel so left out .
Dear Leslie! Some times when God is silent, He is working and it is a time for us to build our faith. As long as we are not living in sin, but are living the way He wants us to, then be rest assured He is working behind the scenes. When it is time for you to know, He will reveal it to you. See this period as a time of pregnancy. When one is pregnant they can’t see or hold their baby yet but they feed themselves well so the child can be healthy, they don’t take alcohol or anything that can hurt the baby, they take their vitamins, do excercise, fill up the nusery so that when it is time the baby is healthy and has a beautiful place to thrive. So use this period you have to love God more, read his word, pray, serve, live out your Christian life in all sincerity and honestly before him. So that when it is time you can hit the ground running.
Dear Lord please help your daughter to daily walk in your will for her life. Amen.
I love God and pray daily but I haven’t really felt close to him after, I lost my best friend of 29 years to cancer and my oldest son hasn’t talked to me in 7 mouth. I pray to God for help and guidence daily, I just can’t seem to get over this feeling that I’m not being heard.
Dear Lord, I bring your daughter before you. She feels like she is not been heard by you, you know her better than anyone, please wrap your lovings arms around her letting her know you see her and hear her in Jesus name. Amen.
I am joining from a hospital room in Denver, Colorado and am so grateful for your online Bible studies! My husband has been battling leukemia since May and TODAY he gets a new life, he is having a stem cell transplant today! Praise God for His incredible blessings and providence over our lives! I have enjoyed being reminded through your studies about Gods love for us, no matter what journey we are on. This has been an incredibly hard journey, but Gods love and faithfulness over us during this time has been amazing!
Awwwwww that is such a great news and testimony! May God perfect all that concerns your husband in Jesus name. Amen. Congratulations to you and your family.
Running has always been my speciality special from God. No more. I’m going to remember GOD’S GOT THIS and that I’m being pursued my a loving God. I will as of today STOP RUNNING a race I’m not going to win alone, I need God every step of the way. I will START TRUSTING God through every trial I face.
Yes darling! Just trust God. He got you. You can absolutely rely on Him. God bless you Angi.
Today I choose to stop running. I choose to submit myself and obey God. I am tired of running! I repent to God for doing it my own way. I need Jesus to rescue from this darkness and this destruction. I no longer want to be an orphan but a daughter of God. I want to be a better mom. I want to be a better friend. Create in me a clean heart! Purify me O God! Wash me!
Such a heart felt pray Nicky. God will answer you. God bless you richly.
I am not running away. It is simply soothing I need to take care. I will be back home in two days. No one really trusted me and no one Ican really ask to pray for me.
Oh dear Linda. God loves you so much and He takes care of you. We would love to pray for you dear. Dear Father may your daughter feel your love and hands around her daily. Wrap her in the hollow of your hands. Bring peace to her heart and plant people along her path that would pray for her and live her just the way you want it to. Bless her today. In Jesus mighty name. Amen.
I have been in the season of waiting. It has been a trying but revealing season for me because I am learning some things about myself that I neither need to change or focus on. I believe that God is near but sometimes when I want that immediate answer to what I need to do, I can get so busy with lifes noises or my own thinking that I dont hear his voice. I will get frustrated and start doing things my way and end up further away from His will and list. I have to continue to remind myself to stay connected to God. Tell Him my problems and worries. Allow God to lead my way even when it can feel uncomfortable. Right now I am running away from facing my fear of applying for nursing schools. I doubt myself if Im smart enough or if I have the ability to go through a program while being a single mother. I believe God is telling me to not fear. Dont be discouraged. Do t be afraid. He tells us that He is with us wherever we go. So I am going to run away from my fear and apply to the program. Even if it doesnt open up for me, I can trust that God has something greater in store. It is sometimes hard leaning into what we want and not allowing God to manifest his purpose in our lives because we only see it one way. Our way. But trusting in God to know that whatever door he opens for us will be for us that no man can close is enough for me. I see this all to say this. Dont let fear stop you from going what God has either laid on your heart to do or your passion. If its for you, no one can take it away.
I have been running.. being impatient, trying to do things my way .. many of the above comments resonate with me
About two and a half years ago, my husband and I had a couple come into our life that truely walk the talk. To make a long story short, they are financially independent and have been helping my husband and I achieve the same results in our life that we’ve been able to pay forward to others. We’ve started living by our values which weren’t well defined for the longest time and the one thing they’ve talked about that I’ve really taken to heart is getting our spiritual life right. And because of this, I’ve become so drawn to repairing my relationship with God as he’s blessed us in so many ways. I want to make sure that I’m living my life honoring him through the good times and the bad and not when it’s convenient for me. This article was a great reminder of that so thank you for posting this!!
My story is just the opposite of Jonah’s. I’m trying to run toward God. I know he’s calling me into ministry, but I’m not quite sure yet and I know I need a lot more training. I just made the hard choice of leaving my Church for various different reasons and don’t really have any mentorship for ministry training. But I’ve been reading, studying, listening to podcasts and researching- which is part of what led me too this study. I’m going through each of the book of the bibles with a podcast “Exploring my strange Bible” and I just listened to the one on Jonah. It’s such an interesting story.
My mom suddenly lost her life due to pneumonia at the age of 49 last year. All I’ve done since that day is blame God and hate him and even(for a while)chosen to believe that he isn’t real. My mom was all that I had. She was the only person in my life that truly understood me. I couldn’t understand how an “almighty” God could take her from me. During the time that I chose anger over Him, my life fell completely apart. I turned to addiction and hate. I’ve recently gotten as low as rock bottom can go. And the only place to look is up. And I’m really trying so hard to replace all of this anger and hate with Gods love, but it’s so hard. I don’t even know where to begin. I feel terrible for saying the words “God’s not real.” But I also am terrified to let him back in. I’m so scared of going through that pain, again. I’ve been putting up my guard for so long that I’ve grown comfortable. I’m scared to let it down. How do I go from here? I know that I desperately need Him, but I have no clue where to begin. I’m ashamed. I’m resentful. I’m terrified. I’m afraid that I’ve gone past the point of forgiveness. Please help.
I have been running from God’s will because of all the thoughts that i listened to. I am expecting emotions and supernatural and I am trying to run from what seems harder, from what is God’s plan. I am in a relationship with a godly man , I know it’s God’s plan, but I am trying to run. I play the victim’s role, I do not want responsibility, I don’t keep my word and I like to stay like that because I excuse myself by saying I am like that because of the thoughts of confusion. I choose to stop running, obey and let go!
The past three years have been extremely difficult financially, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The pressure was so intense I just wanted to give up. I was weary and felt like my prayers never went further than the ceiling. I was hurt things kept getting worse and it felt like God blessed everyone around me and left me behind. I have have discovered over time I developed a core belief that I am worthless, unseen, and unwanted. Mostly because of my father’s emotional abuse and dysfunctional family. I can feel him whispering to me his love but I continue to run because I’m afraid he doesn’t want me either…my spirit and his still small vice says he does but my head says he let me down
How do I restore my relationship I love Jesus I want to have faith and fully trust but I still keep running
Please pray for me and my family
Thank you
I know I’m running from God today. I’m scared of being small and simple. My heart hurts. I’m afraid to let go of my cross to let him help carry it. I’m really sad and scared of what I feel in my heart. It does feel like the walls are closing in on me. The running needs to be done, but I’ve always run. I run when I’m scared, when I’m happy, when I’m educated, when my independence is in question. I feel sad that I’ve been rebellious, that I’ve pushed those I love including God away. I’m sad that I can’t do it all on my own, especially when I’ve felt the power of my own godhood carrying me. I wonder if I’ll always be wrong…. the girl who just didn’t get it, couldn’t see past pride and rebellion and hurt until it’s too late. I’m afraid to do what’s right. I’m afraid of being wrong. I’m afraid of opening up, because it feels like I could cry forever . I’m afraid letting go means I’m not good enough, makes my failures more of a failure. I’m afraid of losing credibility, and ashamed sometimes to belong to God. I’m afraid that I might need people. I’m afraid of both my old and new ideas of God’s character. I’m afraid of being nothing and no one, sorrowful that such pain exists, scared to experience what it might be like to blend in with other people of my faith who’s views of God have hurt me before. I just want to be connected to who I am, connected to my roots, but I’m afraid I don’t care enough to sacrifice for it, or to appear weak or as an ignorant follower instead of a leader. I’m afraid of stagnation. I know God is with me. He always has been. Such amazing grace creates a throbbing in my previously blocked heart. “I know I am nothing. As to my strength I am weak. Thank you for this post and comments.
I feel just like you, I have never ran from anything but I have ran from God for a few years . Everytime I stop running and start getting closer; this monkey starts riding my back and I run and flee everytime . I recently , opened up my door of purpose but I’m scared of the gifts he has given me . But, we will get better, we will be better . His grace is absolutely amazing and pure . And for it I know that I am not worthy nor deserve it. But he continues to carry me . I am still learning but my prayers are getting stronger . Forever in my prayers , eventually their will be no more running that is from either of us .
I am scared, I need God everyday of my life . I pray all the time . Not for just myself but for others. My second mom constantly tells me I need to stop running from God, but I feel as if my purpose is way to big for me . It scares me, the feelings that I get. I feel what other people feel on the inside , thru converstations, or their emotions . I can be in a room full of people but I can always feel which one needs someone to talk too , or on social media just from something that was said or the look in a persons eyes from a picture they have posted I can feel them . It’s scary, I don’t know what my purpose is and I’m tired of running but I don’t know why I am running . When my Granny died in 2004 my life has been entirely hard , I was raised in church . Since then I have strayed away from church on and off . I got baptized November 10, 2018 ; it was the best feeling of my life . I didn’t understand the feeling at first , but what I saw was amazing ! It was a the past leaving and a refreshing life after . I saw things that seem to me as if I wasn’t suppose to see of if it was to good for me .
Since birth my life has been harder than most can imagine, I have witnessed and been thru things that have consumed my life and I can’t shake from . It feels as if the Devil is riding my back and I can’t get him off . Please help me , please pray from me !
My Lover is came back to me and my life got back just like a completed puzzle… thanks to Robinsonbuckler [@t] {yahoo }. com,,___________________
My Lover is came back to me and my life got back just like a completed puzzle… thanks to Robinson.buckler [@t] yahoo com……………………….?
My Lover is came back to me and my life got back just like a completed puzzle… thanks to robinsonbuckler11 [@t] gmail com……………………….???
I am running from reconciliation with relationships because it scares me. I have been in the waiting learning how to sustain myself and be joyful and content alone. So I’ve run to a place where I felt safe, with my mom and I’ve recently been informed that I have been running from trusting the Lord in where he placed me, I have been trying to quantify the scenario and limit my exposure so that I cannot be found, but in reality… I did not even realize I was hiding. But now, I am going to stop running and have the Lord search my heart for all and anything I have been hiding, and immerse myself in his word.