Run with the Ball

Posted on February 19, 2009 12:00 AM MST by Tiffany Kinerson

“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.” Jeremiah 29:11

If you saw the Super Bowl, no doubt you remember James Harrison’s 100-yard interception return for a Steeler touchdown before halftime. With the enemy team chasing, threatening, Harrison flew down the field, trusting his team mates to catch the hits and protect him as he ran the ball in.

A friend of mine told me her son hates to run with the ball like that in his pee-wee league. It’s too scary. He has to trust his team mates or get clocked upside the head. And, well, usually he gets clocked upside the head.

Eesh, that does sound like a lot of pressure.

Here’s the exciting thing about living as a Jesus follower. When we set out in the direction He’s called us to, we get to run without fear like that pro player up there. We don’t have to trust wimpy pee-wee leaguers anymore. We’ve got God on our side. And He has plans for each one of us.

Do you know what else? With God’s future in front of us, we’ve also got Someone else’s propulsion beneath our feet. That means not only will we find protection, but we’ll also outrun anything that threatens to clock us upside the head to keep us from the goal line. We find swiftness and safety in the midst of our most important races.

Praise God for that promise. It’s what keeps me running when I face criticism or misunderstanding. It keeps my eye on the goal line when people and situations loom in my peripheral vision. He is with me, and He’s there to bring me hope.

Lord, drill it into my brain that you are there for me. Give me the faith to know that Your plans exceed any fears I may have. Show me Your ways one more time so I can run for Your glory.

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