“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2
Did you know our tire manufacturers have devised and are selling tires that ‘run- flat?’ Even with a puncture, all is not lost. The sidewalls of the tires enforce the tire, preventing deflation. You can still run your car to the nearest filling station, or even possibly to your destination (within 40 miles) on the damaged tire. No need to lug around a spare in your trunk. No need to pull off to the side of dangerous highways. Just continue along to your destination, without interruption.
Along this journey of life, we need a run-flat faith. As barbs and obstacles puncture and threaten to deflate our trust in God, we need a faith that will propel us down the path to our final destination, without stops and detours. When in the midst of a dangerous trek, we need to keep going, not pausing to change our basic tenements of faith, and thus possibly stranding ourselves, waiting in a standstill. Because when you’re waiting, parked at the side of a treacherous road, accidents happen. And when you are parked, there is nowhere to go. But if you keep going, even at a reduced speed, you are still making progress, inching toward that final destination.
A run-flat faith requires only God. No spare needed. We might not see where we are going, but we know that God is leading, and that His plans always take us to where we need to be. We know we can call on Him, trust in Him, and He will always provide just what is needed.
A run-flat faith works by inviting the Holy Spirit in to reinforce the sidewalls of our faith. This prevents deflation of our faith, prevents a loss of love and prevents a destruction of our determination to obey Christ.
A run-flat faith will carry your through a trial and deliver you to a “filling station,” a time of tranquility where you can peacefully bask in the Father’s presence, and be able to see just what He brought you through, and begin to wonder just how He will use it for good.
Maybe like me, you wonder, how can I develop a ‘run-flat’ faith? Maybe you too, feel like you’re certainly running a lot- but building faith in the process- that’s plain hard with all the obstacles and sharp edges to avoid.
I am learning I don’t need, and I simply can’t, do it alone. I have to trust Him and ask for His help. Proverbs 4:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding“; I am slowly learning to yield to Him.
I haven’t found this road of life easy- and I bet neither have you. But I know when I remember that I am not alone, and I can ask for help, the journey is a whole lot easier.
He wants us to learn to trust Him. If we ask, He will give us the resources needed to develop a run-flat faith!
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for providing for all my needs, the physical, the emotional, and the spiritual. Thank You for the gifts of the Spirit, including the gift of faithfulness. Only through You can I remain faithful and not become distracted by life’s obstacles. Thank You for You enduring love, Amen.