Latest Devotion
Stop Running
By: Keefe Wilson
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there. 1 Kings 19:3
Have you ever run away from a situation instead of facing it? I had a student named Leon, who did exactly that. When discipline came, he ran away from home. One night after church, I saw his father drive by searching for him. Moments later, I heard a whisper from the bushes: “Hey, Mr. Wilson.” Leon was hiding.
So, I sat beside him and told him the truth: running feels easier than facing the consequences, but it never solves the problem; it only delays it. God doesn’t tell us to escape pressure; He uses it to help us grow. I drove Leon home that night, and when I saw him the next day, he told me he almost ran away again... He stopped at the door because he remembered our talk. He smiled, and said, “I’m glad I didn’t run, but that discipline sure hurt.” We laughed, but his victory was real.
As Christ Followers, we often do what Leon did, run away from trouble. When fear rises or conviction comes, we feel like running. When fear rises, draw close to God. If things get hard, don't run from your problems, face them. If you don't see a solution, ask the Holy Spirit for help.
In 1 Kings 19, Elijah experienced a great victory, then a single threat from Jezebel sent him running into the wilderness. His fear overruled his obedience. God met him there, not to shame him, but to restore him. Then God asked him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (1 Kings 19:9). God asked Elijah why he ran, because God never told him to do that. Christ Follower, God is telling us the same thing today! Don't run from your problems, face them. God will help us face our biggest problems, but He won't step in until we quit running!
Avoiding a situation we don’t like (running from it) may seem to offer relief, but it's temporary at best. Every time we run, we are getting further away from God. Usually, the bravest act of faith isn't running, it's staying! Staying in prayer when nothing seems to be happening, staying obedient when quitting seems easier. Our faith and obedience will start growing the moment we decide to stop running!
We love God, but we often run from what He is using to strengthen us: discipline stretches us, accountability exposes us, and forgiveness humbles us. Spiritual growth can seem uncomfortable, so without realizing it, we end up avoiding what will make us stronger.
Whatever you’re facing, don’t run! Stay, and let God work.