Tag: challenges

When The White House Chooses The Main Event

On Sunday night, the White House lawn will host a UFC event as part of America’s 250th Birthday Celebration. 

For some, it will be entertainment.

For others, it will be a symbol of strength, toughness, and American culture.

For me, it represents something entirely different.

The White House has long been called “The People’s House.” Throughout American history, its grounds have hosted events that brought families together, celebrated achievement, honored service, and showcased the best of our nation.

The annual Easter Egg Roll has welcomed children and families to the South Lawn since  1878 under President Rutherford B. Hayes.

Presidents have hosted Independence Day celebrations filled with music, fireworks, and community.

President Lyndon Johnson transformed the lawn into an outdoor arts venue during the Festival of the Arts.

President Gerald Ford hosted Queen Elizabeth  for an elegant state dinner beneath a tent on the South Lawn.

The grounds have welcomed world leaders, served as the landing place for Marine One, and stood as a symbol of American leadership.

President Jimmy Carter even installed a temporary ice rink so Olympic champion Peggy Fleming could perform for guests.

President George W. Bush hosted T-ball games featuring children of active-duty military personnel.

Families.

Children.

Artists.

Athletes.

Public servants.

Moments that reflected dignity and community.

Now, the White House lawn welcomes the UFC.

That reality should cause us to ask an important question:

What are we choosing to celebrate?

The UFC has certainly become a massive business success. Millions watch its events. Millions more wager on the outcomes. The organization has produced many talented athletes who have worked hard to reach the highest levels of their sport.

But the UFC has also been surrounded by years of controversy involving domestic violence allegations, arrests, abuse accusations, and troubling behavior from some of its biggest stars.

The organization’s founder and CEO was caught on video striking his wife. Public outrage followed. Yet many quickly moved on.

Several fighters over the years have faced allegations or arrests involving domestic violence and abuse.

Yet tonight, this organization is being elevated to center stage on one of the most recognizable pieces of property in America.

As Christians, we should not merely ask whether something is popular.

We should ask whether it is worthy of celebration.

Popularity and righteousness are not the same thing.

The crowds that shouted “Hosanna” on Sunday shouted “Crucify Him” on Friday.

The Bible repeatedly reminds us that the values of God’s Kingdom often stand in direct opposition to the values of the world.

Jesus taught us to honor the peacemakers.

Jesus taught us to protect the vulnerable.

Jesus taught us that true greatness is found in humility and service.

Jesus never taught us to idolize aggression, celebrity, power, or wealth.

I already know many people will disagree with me.

Many will watch.

Many will cheer.

Many will place bets.

Many will celebrate the spectacle.

That is their choice.

But as for me, I cannot help but feel sadness that a place which has hosted children hunting Easter eggs, military families playing T-ball, artists sharing their gifts, and leaders gathering in diplomacy is now being used to showcase an organization whose history includes so many troubling examples of violence beyond the octagon.

Perhaps that says something about where our culture is today.

Perhaps it says something about what we reward.

Perhaps it says something about what we have become willing to overlook.

As Christians, our calling is not to blindly follow the crowd or celebrate whatever is trending.

Our calling is to seek God’s Kingdom first.

To honor what is good.

To defend what is right.

To stand for truth even when it is unpopular.

America’s 250th birthday should be an 

opportunity to celebrate the highest ideals of our nation: faith, family, service, sacrifice, character, and human dignity.

Instead, Sunday’s main event leaves me asking whether we have confused entertainment with virtue.

And that is a fight I have no interest in watching. ~OC

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Hope Isles: A New Beginning Chapter 2-The First Open Door

The next morning, Hope Isles woke to the scent of fresh rain and the sound of seagulls circling above the harbor.

As usual, James was already awake.

He sat on the front porch of the Wilson house with a Bible, a notebook, and a cup of coffee.

The old porch swing creaked gently as he read.

Seven bedrooms.

Seven empty rooms.

Most people saw an oversized house.

James saw possibility.

He closed his Bible and looked at the handwritten note in his notebook.

“Lord, show me how this house can serve You.”

Just then, a pickup truck pulled into the driveway.

James stood.

Pastor Timothy climbed out.

“Hope I’m not too early.”

James smiled.

“I’ve been up for hours.”

The pastor looked around the property.

“You’ve done a lot of work already.”

Several flowerbeds had been cleared. The grass was freshly cut. The front porch had been cleaned.

“There is still plenty to do,” James replied.

Pastor Timothy glanced toward the large house.

“I have to admit, I’m curious.”

“So is the rest of the town.”

They both laughed.

Pastor Timothy grew serious.

“Yesterday you mentioned God having a purpose for every room.”

James nodded.

“I did.”

“Would you care to explain?”

James opened the front door.

“Come inside.”

The two men walked through the house.

Dust still lingered in some corners.

Boxes remained unpacked.

Yet there was a warmth to the place.

A sense that life was returning.

James led Pastor Timothy upstairs.

“This room,” he said, opening the first door, “will be a guest room.”

The pastor nodded.

“And this one?”

“A study.”

The next room.

“A prayer room.”

Another.

“A place for Bible studies.”

Pastor Timothy raised an eyebrow.

“You’ve thought about this.”

“For a long time.”

They continued down the hallway.

Finally, they entered the largest bedroom.

James stood silently for a moment.

Then he spoke.

“I don’t think God gave me this house just for me.”

“What do you mean?”

James looked out the window toward town.

“I think there are people who need a place to stay. A place to heal. A place to start over.”

The pastor didn’t answer immediately.

Instead, he folded his arms and considered the young man’s words.

After a moment he said,

“That’s a big vision.”

“So is God.”

Pastor Timothy smiled.

“Fair point.”

Later that afternoon, James rode his bicycle into town.

As expected, his first stop was the Sit Awhile Diner.

The bell jingled.

June looked up.

“Well, if it isn’t the bicycle guy.”

“I’m beginning to think that nickname is permanent.”

“It probably is.”

James laughed and took his usual booth.

June brought him sweet tea.

“Something interesting happened this morning.”

“Oh?”

“Mrs. Evelyn has been talking about you.”

James recognized the elderly woman whose breakfast he had paid for.

“Hopefully that’s a good thing.”

June grinned.

“In this town, any talking is good talking.”

Before James could respond, the diner door opened.

Joe the mailman stepped inside.

He looked troubled.

That immediately caught June’s attention.

Joe was usually cheerful.

“Everything okay?” she asked.

Joe sighed.

“My truck broke down again.”

June chuckled.

“That truck is older than half the town.”

“Still runs better than some people.”

James stood.

“Need help?”

Joe looked surprised.

“You know anything about engines?”

“A little.”

Joe shrugged.

“Can’t make it worse.”

“Let’s not test that theory.”

An hour later, James and Joe stood beside the mail truck behind the post office.

The hood was open.

Joe watched as James checked several connections.

“You’ve done this before.”

“More than once.”

A few minutes later, the engine roared to life.

Joe’s eyes widened.

“Well, I’ll be.”

James closed the hood.

“There you go.”

Joe stared.

“How much do I owe you?”

“Nothing.”

“Nothing?”

“Just helping a neighbor.”

Joe shook his head.

“You’re making the rest of us look bad.”

James laughed.

“I doubt that.”

That evening, as the sun began to set, James rode home.

When he reached Joy Lane, something unexpected caught his attention.

A young woman sat on the curb across from the Wilson house.

She looked tired.

Worried.

And completely out of place.

James parked his bicycle.

“Hello.”

The woman looked up quickly.

“Sorry,” she said. “I wasn’t trespassing.”

“I wasn’t accusing you.”

She hesitated.

Then asked,

“Are you James?”

“Yes.”

Her eyes filled with relief.

“Pastor Timothy said I might find you here.”

James sat down on the curb a few feet away.

“What can I do for you?”

The young woman looked down at the suitcase beside her.

For a moment she seemed unsure whether to speak.

Finally she whispered,

“I need a place to stay.”

James glanced toward the large house behind him.

Seven bedrooms.

Seven empty rooms.

And suddenly, one of them no longer seemed empty.

The prayer he had prayed that morning echoed in his heart.

“Lord, show me how this house can serve You.”

Perhaps the answer had just arrived carrying a suitcase.

To Be Continued…

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When We Care More About Position Than Protection

Today’s a new day!

I know many people may disagree with what I am about to say, and that’s okay. Healthy disagreement is part of life and part of the Church. But I stand firmly by these words.

I care far more about the victims of abuse in our churches than I do about whether a woman teaches a Bible study, preaches a sermon, or stands behind a pulpit in a Southern Baptist Church—or any other church.

For years, countless hours, meetings, conferences, articles, and social media debates have focused on the role of women in ministry. Entire denominations have wrestled with the question. Churches have split over it. Christians have passionately argued both sides.

Yet while some believers are consumed with debates about who is allowed to speak from the platform, children, teenagers, and vulnerable adults have suffered abuse in churches that were supposed to be safe places.

That should break our hearts.

When Jesus walked this earth, He consistently placed people above power, compassion above control, and protection of the vulnerable above religious posturing. He reserved some of His strongest words for religious leaders who burdened others while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness.

I cannot help but wonder what Jesus thinks when churches spend more energy debating who can preach or teach than they spend ensuring children are protected.

I cannot help but wonder what He thinks when victims are ignored, silenced, questioned, or blamed while church leaders focus on preserving reputations and institutions.

The Church should be the safest place on earth for a child.

The safest place for a survivor.

The safest place for the wounded.

The safest place for those seeking healing.

And yet, too often, it has not been.

This is not a statement against theology. 

Theology matters. Scripture matters. Church governance matters. But if our theological discussions become more important than protecting people made in the image of God, something has gone terribly wrong.

If Christians are more concerned about a woman’s role in ministry than they are about children being abused, they have missed something essential in the teachings of Jesus.

If we can passionately argue about positions while remaining silent about victims, we need to examine our priorities.

If we are quicker to defend institutions than to defend the brokenhearted, we need to return to the heart of Christ.

Jesus welcomed children.

Jesus protected the vulnerable.

Jesus stood with the hurting.

Jesus confronted religious leaders who had lost sight of what mattered most.

The Church should do the same.

The world is watching how we respond. More importantly, survivors are watching.

They don’t need another debate.

They need safety.

They need accountability.

They need justice.

They need compassion.

They need to know that the Church values their well-being more than its reputation.

My prayer is that Christians of every denomination would become known not merely for what we believe, but for how fiercely we protect the vulnerable, how seriously we take abuse allegations, how compassionately we care for survivors, and how faithfully we reflect the heart of Jesus.

Because at the end of the day, protecting the vulnerable is not a political issue.

It is not a denominational issue.

It is not a conservative issue or a progressive issue.

It is a Jesus issue. ~OC

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A Free Press Matters

Today’s a new day!

When I was in high school, I had a dream. I wanted to be the next great sports journalist. I loved sports, but even more than the games themselves, I loved the stories behind them. I admired the journalists who traveled the country, asked tough questions, told inspiring stories, and brought fans closer to the athletes and teams they followed.

Journalism fascinated me because it was about more than reporting scores and statistics. It was about seeking the truth, telling the stories that needed to be told, and helping people stay informed.

That is why I find myself disappointed by the growing attacks on journalists that we see today.

No, journalists are not perfect. They are human beings, and like every profession, there are good ones and bad ones. Some make mistakes. Some have biases. But the answer to imperfect journalism is not to destroy journalism. The answer is to pursue better journalism.

Throughout history, journalists have played a critical role in holding powerful people accountable. They have uncovered corruption, exposed injustice, highlighted the struggles of ordinary people, and brought important issues into the public conversation. Many have risked their careers, their freedom, and even their lives to report the truth.

A healthy democracy depends on an informed citizenry. People cannot make wise decisions if they do not have access to information. They cannot hold leaders accountable if no one is asking questions. They cannot understand what is happening in their communities, their nation, or the world if there is no one reporting the facts.

That is why a free press is so important.

We may not always agree with what journalists write. We may disagree with their conclusions, perspectives, or reporting. But disagreement should never become hostility toward the very institution that helps keep citizens informed.

As Christians, we should be people who value truth. Scripture repeatedly calls us to walk in truth, speak truth, and seek truth. While journalists are not the source of truth itself, many faithfully work to uncover facts and bring important information into the light.

When I think back to my high school dream of becoming a sports journalist, I still have great respect for those who dedicate their lives to telling stories and informing the public. Their work matters.

A democracy without journalists is a democracy left in the dark.

We may not always like what we hear, but a society that values truth must also value those who seek to report it.

Let us encourage honesty, integrity, and accountability in journalism while recognizing the vital role a free press plays in preserving freedom. An informed people are better equipped to make wise decisions, engage in meaningful conversations, and help build a stronger future for the next generation. ~OC

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Human Trafficking: The Conversation We Cannot Afford To Avoid

Today’s a new day!

For almost twenty years, I have been involved in the fight against human trafficking. It has been one of the most rewarding and heartbreaking journeys of my life. I have seen lives restored, survivors find hope, and communities come together to protect the vulnerable. But I have also seen unimaginable pain, brokenness, and exploitation.

One thing that continues to break my heart is the response I sometimes receive when trying to discuss this horrific crime. More than once, I have heard people say, “I don’t want to hear about that.”

Every time I hear those words, a question immediately comes to mind: What if it were your child? What if it were your grandchild? What if it were your neighbor’s child? Would you still not want to hear about it?

The reality is that human trafficking thrives in darkness and silence. The traffickers count on people looking away. They count on communities being uncomfortable. They count on society deciding that the subject is too disturbing to discuss.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to do the opposite.

Jesus never ignored suffering. He never walked away from broken people because their situation was uncomfortable. He stepped into the pain. He confronted evil. He brought light into dark places. If we are going to follow His example, we cannot close our eyes to the suffering happening around us.

The truth is that every statistic represents a real person. Every number has a name. Every victim has a story. Every life being trafficked is a life created in the image of God. These are sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, friends and neighbors whose dreams are being stolen and whose dignity is being attacked.

Ending human trafficking will require more than awareness campaigns and social media posts. It will require courageous people willing to have difficult conversations. It will require churches willing to educate their congregations. It will require parents willing to talk to their children. It will require communities willing to recognize the warning signs and refuse to remain silent.

Yes, these conversations can be uncomfortable. Yes, they can be heartbreaking. But difficult conversations often lead to life-saving action.

Proverbs 31:8 tells us, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.”

That is not a suggestion. It is a calling.

We cannot protect what we refuse to discuss. We cannot fight what we refuse to acknowledge. We cannot rescue people if we choose comfort over compassion.

My prayer is that the Church would be known not for avoiding hard topics but for courageously confronting them with truth, love, and action. May we be people who refuse to look away. May we be people who speak up for the vulnerable. May we be people who shine the light of Christ into some of the darkest places in our world.

Because every statistic is a person.

Every person matters to God.

And that is reason enough to have the tough conversations.

This message is difficult, but it’s one that can help bring awareness, protection, and hope to those who need it most. ~OC

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Living Out Your Faith At Work

As we start a new week, I wanted to share something that is on my heart: living out your faith at your job.

For many believers, it is easy to think of faith as something that only happens on Sunday mornings. We worship, pray, read our Bibles, and fellowship with other believers. Yet God never intended our faith to be limited to a church building. Our faith is meant to be lived out everywhere we go, including our workplace.

Whether you work in an office, a school, a hospital, a construction site, a retail store, or from your home, your job is a mission field. Every day, God places people in your path who may never step foot inside a church but who can witness the love of Christ through your life.

Living out your faith at work does not always mean preaching a sermon to your coworkers. Sometimes it means showing integrity when no one is watching. It means treating others with kindness when they are difficult to love. It means refusing to participate in gossip, dishonesty, or negativity. It means being dependable, trustworthy, and giving your best effort because you are ultimately working for the Lord.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” What a powerful perspective! Our work becomes an act of worship when we do it with excellence and gratitude unto God.

There will be days when your patience is tested. There will be moments when coworkers, customers, or supervisors challenge you. In those moments, your response may speak louder than any words you could ever say. The peace you display in the middle of pressure, the grace you extend when others are harsh, and the hope you carry during difficult times can point people directly to Jesus.

Remember, you may be the only Bible some people ever read. Your attitude, your character, and your actions can open doors for conversations about faith that would otherwise never happen.

As this new week begins, ask the Lord to help you shine His light wherever He has planted you. Pray for your coworkers. Pray for your supervisors. Pray for those you serve. Ask God to give you opportunities to encourage someone, to speak life into someone who is struggling, and to represent Christ well in everything you do.

You do not have to stand behind a pulpit to make an eternal impact. God can use your desk, your work truck, your classroom, your job site, or your office as a platform for His glory.

This week, go to work with purpose. Walk in integrity. Serve with excellence. Love people well. And let the light of Jesus shine through you so brightly that others are drawn to Him.

May this be a week where your faith is not just something you believe, but something you boldly and lovingly live out every day.

Be blessed, and have an incredible week serving Jesus wherever He has placed you. ~OC

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The Book Of Jude And Today’s Political Climate

Today’s a new day! 

As I have been studying the Book of Jude, here are some of my thoughts:

The Book of Jude may be one of the shortest books in the Bible, but its message feels remarkably relevant in today’s political climate. Written as a warning to believers, Jude addressed a culture filled with deception, division, and individuals who sought power for their own gain. While Jude was not writing about modern politics, many of the principles he shared can help us navigate the world we live in today.

A Warning About Deception

Jude urged believers to “contend for the faith” because certain individuals had slipped into positions of influence and were leading people away from truth. Today, we live in a world overflowing with information, opinions, and competing narratives. Politicians, media outlets, influencers, and commentators all seek to shape public opinion.

The challenge for Christians is not to blindly follow a political party, personality, or movement. Our ultimate allegiance belongs to Jesus Christ. Jude reminds us that truth matters and that believers must exercise discernment rather than simply accepting whatever aligns with their preferences.

The Pursuit of Power

One of Jude’s concerns was people who pursued their own interests rather than God’s purposes. In today’s political environment, it can sometimes seem that the pursuit of power has become more important than serving people.

Political leaders are human. Some enter public service with honorable intentions, while others may become consumed by influence, recognition, or personal agendas. Jude reminds us that God sees the heart and that positions of authority come with accountability.

As Christians, we should pray for our leaders, support what is righteous, and speak against what is unjust regardless of which side of the political aisle it comes from.

Division and Hostility

Perhaps one of the most obvious connections between Jude and our current culture is the growing spirit of division. Families are divided. Friendships are strained. Churches sometimes find themselves fractured over political disagreements.

Jude warned about those who caused divisions among people. Today, social media algorithms, political rhetoric, and constant news cycles often encourage outrage rather than understanding.

The enemy would love for believers to become so consumed with political battles that they neglect the mission of the Gospel. Christians are called to be peacemakers, not merely partisans.

Mercy in the Middle of Conflict

One of the most beautiful passages in Jude is his instruction to show mercy. Even while warning about false teaching, Jude encourages believers to reach out to others with compassion.

In our political conversations, mercy is often in short supply. It is easy to label people, dismiss them, or assume the worst about those who disagree with us. Jude challenges us to stand firmly for truth while extending grace to others.

Truth without love becomes harsh. Love without truth becomes compromise. The Gospel calls us to embrace both.

Keeping Our Eyes on Christ

The greatest lesson Jude offers for today’s political climate is that our hope is not found in Washington, political parties, elections, or government programs. Governments rise and fall. Political movements come and go. Kingdoms throughout history have appeared powerful only to disappear.

Jesus Christ remains King.

Jude concludes his letter with one of the most encouraging doxologies in Scripture, reminding believers that God is able to keep us from stumbling and present us blameless before His presence.

When political tensions rise, Christians must remember that our citizenship is first in the Kingdom of God. We should be informed citizens, engaged in our communities, and faithful in prayer, but our confidence must never rest in earthly leaders.

Final Thoughts

The Book of Jude speaks directly into a culture of confusion, deception, division, and competing voices. While political climates change from generation to generation, God’s truth remains constant.

Rather than placing our faith in politicians, we are called to place our faith in Christ. Rather than allowing politics to divide us, we are called to love one another. Rather than being consumed by fear about the future, we can trust the One who holds the future in His hands.

In a world filled with political noise, the message of Jude remains clear: stand firm in the truth, walk in mercy, and keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. ~OC

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Rest Is Not Weakness

Today’s a new day! We live in a world that constantly tells us to do more, achieve more, produce more, and stay busy every moment of every day. Culture often promotes the idea that rest is for the weak and that if we slow down, we will somehow fall behind. Yet that mindset is not only unhealthy—it is unbiblical.

God never designed us to run endlessly without pause. From the very beginning, He established the principle of rest. Even after creation, God rested, not because He was tired, but because He was modeling a rhythm that humanity would need.

One of the enemy’s favorite strategies is not always to get us to quit. Sometimes he knows he cannot stop us, so he convinces us to overdo it. He pushes us to take on more than God intended, to carry burdens we were never meant to carry, and to keep running at a pace that eventually leads to exhaustion.

The danger is that by the time we arrive at the destination we have been striving toward, we are too tired, discouraged, or burned out to enjoy the blessings waiting there. We may reach the goal but lack the strength to reap its benefits.

That is why moments of pause are so important. Rest is not wasted time. It is preparation time. It is in those quiet moments that God refreshes our spirits, renews our minds, and restores our strength. Rest allows us to hear His voice more clearly and regain the perspective we often lose in the busyness of life.

The Christian life was never intended to be a sprint. It is a marathon. Scripture repeatedly calls believers to endure, to remain faithful, and to finish the race. Endurance requires strength, and strength requires renewal.

Jesus Himself often withdrew from the crowds to pray and spend time with the Father. If the Son of God prioritized rest and renewal, how much more should we?

So if you have been feeling guilty for slowing down, don’t. Resting is not weakness. It is wisdom. It is recognizing that you are human and that your strength ultimately comes from God.

Take time to pause. Take time to pray. Take time to recharge. The journey ahead is long, and God wants you to finish well.

Remember: this life is a marathon, not a sprint. Rest today so you can continue running tomorrow.

“Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

I hope this encourages those who have been running hard for a long season and need permission to embrace God’s gift of rest. ~OC

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If The Twelve Disciples Applied For Church Membership Today

“Think about this for a moment: the twelve disciples of Jesus could not pass a background check to get into most churches today.”

That statement may sound shocking at first, but take a closer look at the men Jesus chose to change the world.

Peter was impulsive and publicly denied Christ three times.

James and John earned the nickname “Sons of Thunder” because of their fiery tempers and desire to call down judgment on people.

Matthew was a tax collector, viewed by many as a traitor and a sinner.

Thomas struggled with doubt.

Simon the Zealot was associated with a radical political movement.

And Judas would eventually betray Jesus.

If these men submitted applications to many modern churches, some would likely be rejected before ever making it through the front door.

Yet these are the very people Jesus chose.

Jesus did not build His ministry around people with perfect resumes. He built it around people whose lives would be transformed by grace.

The Gospel has never been about finding people who have it all together. It has always been about redeeming people who know they don’t.

Too often, we can be tempted to evaluate people based on their past failures, mistakes, addictions, broken relationships, or reputation. We forget that every saint has a past and every sinner has a future when Christ enters the story.

The church was never meant to be a museum displaying perfect people. It was meant to be a hospital where broken people encounter the healing power of Jesus.

Imagine if Jesus had looked at Peter’s denial before calling him. Imagine if He had focused on Thomas’ doubt instead of his potential. Imagine if He had rejected Matthew because of his profession.

The early church would have looked very different.

Thankfully, Jesus sees beyond our failures. He sees who we can become when His grace takes hold of our lives.

This doesn’t mean sin doesn’t matter. It doesn’t mean character is unimportant. Transformation is real, and discipleship matters deeply. But we must remember that transformation is often a process, not an instant event.

The disciples were not finished products when Jesus called them. They were works in progress.

So are we.

So is everyone who will walk through your church doors. 

The next time you encounter someone whose past makes you uncomfortable, remember the men Jesus chose. Remember that the kingdom of God has always been built by redeemed sinners who encountered extraordinary grace.

After all, if God can use fishermen, doubters, hotheads, tax collectors, and former rebels to turn the world upside down, He can certainly use us.

The church should never become a place where people are judged solely by where they have been. It should be a place where people discover who they can become through Jesus Christ.

Grace saw something in the disciples that the world could not see.

May we learn to see people the same way. ~OC

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What Running Taught Me About The Gospel Of Jesus Christ

Today’s a new day! Back in 2003, while having a cancerous golf ball sized tumor removed from my chest, I had a vision that God wanted me to start running marathons and sharing the Gospel. No, it wasn’t the medications talking. Four months after having my chest cracked open, I laced up my running shoes and began a journey that was about much more than physical exercise. What started out as a God given vision eventually became a living illustration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. With every mile, every struggle, and every victory, God showed me truths that I had read in Scripture but had never fully experienced until I began running.

The Journey Begins With A Single Step:

No one wakes up one morning and suddenly runs a marathon. Every runner begins with a single step. The same is true in our walk with Christ. Salvation begins when we take that first step of faith and trust Jesus as our Savior.

Many people look at mature believers and assume they have always been strong in their faith. The reality is that every Christian starts at the same place—at the foot of the cross, completely dependent on God’s grace.

Running reminded me that God is not asking us to be perfect overnight. He simply asks us to take the next faithful step.

Endurance Is Built Through Difficulty:

Every runner knows that growth comes through discomfort. There are days when your legs are tired, your lungs are burning, and everything inside you wants to quit. Yet those difficult miles are often the ones that make you stronger.

The Christian life is no different.

Trials, hardships, disappointments, and seasons of suffering are not signs that God has abandoned us. Often they are the very tools He uses to strengthen our faith. Just as endurance is developed on the running trail, spiritual endurance is developed through life’s challenges.

The Gospel does not promise an easy road. It promises that Jesus will walk with us every step of the way.

You Can’t Finish Looking Behind You:

One lesson running taught me quickly is that constantly looking over your shoulder will slow you down.

Spiritually, many believers struggle because they spend their lives staring at past failures, past mistakes, and past regrets. The enemy loves to remind us of who we used to be.

But the Gospel reminds us of who we are in Christ.

Jesus paid for our sins on the cross. Through His grace, we are forgiven, redeemed, and made new. We honor God not by living in guilt but by moving forward in faith.

Runners finish races by focusing on what lies ahead. Christians grow by keeping their eyes fixed on Jesus.

The Race Is Not Against Other People:

One of the biggest mistakes runners make is comparing themselves to everyone else. Someone will always be faster. Someone will always have a better finish time.

The Christian life is not a competition.

God has given each of us a unique calling, a unique testimony, and a unique race to run. The goal is not to be better than someone else. The goal is to be faithful to what God has called us to do.

Comparison steals joy, but gratitude fuels perseverance.

Sometimes You Have to Keep Going Even When You Don’t Feel Like It

Not every run feels amazing. Some days motivation is nowhere to be found. Yet discipline carries you when feelings disappear.

Faith works much the same way.

There are days when we feel close to God and days when we do not. There are seasons when prayer feels effortless and seasons when it feels difficult. There are moments when worship flows naturally and moments when we worship by faith.

The Gospel teaches us that our relationship with God is not based on feelings but on the finished work of Jesus Christ.

We keep praying.
We keep believing.
We keep trusting.
We keep moving forward.

Every Finish Line Points to Something Greater:

Crossing a finish line brings a sense of accomplishment, but every race eventually ends. Another race always waits ahead.

Running taught me that earthly victories are temporary, but the promises of God are eternal.

The greatest finish line is not found at the end of a race course. It is found when we stand before Jesus and hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

The Gospel reminds us that this world is not our final destination. We are running toward eternity with Christ.

Final Thoughts:

Running has taught me countless lessons about perseverance, discipline, and determination. Yet the greatest lesson it has taught me is this: the Christian life is not about running perfectly; it is about staying faithful to the One who called us.

When we stumble, Jesus lifts us up.

When we grow weary, Jesus gives us strength.

When we feel like quitting, Jesus reminds us of the hope set before us.

So keep running your race.

Keep walking by faith.

Keep trusting Jesus.

The miles may be long, the hills may be steep, and the journey may be difficult, but the Gospel assures us that we never run alone. Christ is with us every step of the way, and because of Him, the victory is already secured.

I hope this encourages both runners and non-runners to see how everyday experiences can point us back to the life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ. ~OC

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