Run Hard and Fast in Faith - The Crosswalk Devotional - October 12

Audio By Carbonatix

Run Hard and Fast in Faith
By: Whitney Hopler

Bible Reading:
“Pursue a righteous life – a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy. Run hard and fast in the faith. Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to, the life you so fervently embraced in the presence of so many witnesses.” – 1 Timothy 6:11-12, The Message

These Bible verses were on the front page of a memorial service program for one of my father’s close friends. Aubrey (who went by the nickname “Smitty”) was known for living each day to the fullest. He found a lot to enjoy as he lived each day with an awareness of God’s presence. As a high school English teacher, Sunday School teacher, father, husband, and community volunteer, Smitty passed along his joy to lots of people during his earthly life. He was able to do so because he was intentional about pursuing a righteous life of running hard and fast in the faith, as the Bible encourages us all to do in 1 Timothy 6:11-12. 

Every new day God gives us is a gift. The fact that the sun rises in the morning is only because God designed it to do so. Even the fact that we can take our next breath when we need it is because God gives it to us. Each day, and all the opportunities it brings us, are gifts from our loving and generous God. When we really think about it, we can see how every day is a miracle! God wants us to open the gift of each day and use it to the fullest, not drift through it casually without appreciating its value. 

God calls us to do much more than live dull, routine lives. These Bible verses encourage us to live righteous lives where we pursue wonder, faith, love, steadiness, and courtesy. Each of these qualities is an important part of making the most of our time each day. 

When we open our eyes to the wonder of God’s work around us, our faith can grow stronger because the more we see of God’s wonder, the more we’re inspired to seek closer relationships with him. Our stronger faith opens us up to receive more of God’s love and share it with others. Then, as we put God’s love into action, we can live with more steadiness and courtesy in all situations. 

Living like this – running hard and fast in faith – we can experience the meaningful lives God wants us to enjoy. We can seize the life God has called us to and spend our valuable days focusing on what matters most. 

On some days, we may get distracted as we deal with challenges that come up in our schedules. But if we go into each day with the intention to run hard and fast in faith through it, we’ll usually be able to take advantage of the best opportunities God gives us. We’ll be able to set our minds on what has eternal value, live into our God-given purpose, and enjoy the process! 

Running hard in faith is worthwhile because Jesus is worth it. Every step we take in faith brings us closer to Jesus and closer to the life we were created for. 

So, let’s open and enjoy the gift of each day God gives us. Let’s live each day like the miracle it truly is! 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As you consider how to run hard and fast in faith to live each day to the fullest, reflect on these questions:

• What would “running hard and fast in the faith” look like in your daily life?
• Where are you most tempted to chase after activities that don’t last, and how can you redirect your focus toward God? 
• How can you discover more of the wonder of God’s work in your daily life and become more aware of God’s presence with you? 
• In what ways can gratitude for what God is doing in your life change your perspective on the challenges you face right now? 
• Who can you encourage this week to keep running their own race of faith to the fullest? 

Further Reading:
John 10:10
Hebrews 12:1-2
Psalm 118:24
Colossians 3:23-24
Philippians 3:13-14

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/BrianAJackson 

Whitney Hopler helps people discover God's wonder and experience awe. She is the author of several books, including the nonfiction books Wake Up to Wonder and Wonder Through the Year: A Daily Devotional for Every Year, and the young adult novel Dream Factory. Whitney has served as an editor at leading media organizations, including Crosswalk.com, The Salvation Army USA’s national publications, and Dotdash.com (where she produced a popular channel on angels and miracles). She currently leads the communications work at George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being. Connect with Whitney on her website at www.whitneyhopler.com and on her Facebook author page.

Check out fantastic resources on Faith, Family, and Fun at Crosswalk.com! 

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