Based on the saying, ‘Run as fast as you can towards God and if anyone keeps up, introduce yourself.’

 

The rhythmic thump of footsteps beat the soft, brown earth. A lone woman heaved and groaned as if the weight of air was crushing her very existence. 

 

Words tumbled from her dry, cracked lips. “How long, Lord? How much more do I have to endure?”

 

The comforting Voice of her Father penetrated the atmosphere. “Keep going my Princess. You are so close to home! Don’t give up now!”

 

The Light of God’s Glory was lighting her path as she trudged on through this bleak, dark world. It seemed as if she was dragging Mount Everest behind her. Every bone begged her to stop but her heart just kept on pumping.

 

“Lord,” she protested, “Do I have to run all alone?” 

 

Her desire for company and sympathy came from a natural human need. God understood.

 

“Don’t worry my child,” came the reassuring reply to her longing soul. “I have that taken care of too.”

 

Night faded into day, and day into night and the path seemed as if it would never end. Hope threatened to die and Faith seemed like it was about to give up as well. Even the trees felt her pain as they screamed with every passing rush of wind.

 

The path twisted and turned through valleys of fear, and forests of doubt, until one day the woman sensed that she was not alone. Turning to look, her heart nearly stopped pumping, for there was a man following her.

 

“Wait up!” he hollered after her. “Wait up, I want to meet you!” 

 

Almost forgetting her life goal, she slowed to introduce herself. The clouds thundered menacingly overhead as the two strangers interacted for the first time. 

 

“Why are you running so fast? Surely God doesn’t mean you have to get there that soon?!” 

 

Her mind felt like a merry-go-round, and her legs, the child pushing it. Questions tumbled around inside her brain, and she stumbled on a rock. 

 

“Why am I doing this, God? she thought to herself. The mere thought of giving up shocked her but somehow the question still remained.

 

“My child,” God began, “You know how much I care for you and how I love you with all My heart.” The words fell like drops of rain on a dry, questioning desert. “Trust me with your whole being, and never stop running. I see your future, and I have only picked the best path for you. Lay your trials on Me and I will take care of them.”

 

Her cup flowing over, she rejoiced that she had a Father Who cared so much for her. Quickening her pace, she ran faster than ever towards her forever home and eternal happiness.

 

The man, his strength failing him, became weak, and dropped down in the valley of Despair. The woman was too far out of his reach because he wouldn’t keep up with God, and hadn’t reached out for His help.

 

Journeying on, the woman found her relationship with God just grew and grew, and it was almost impossible to think of anything but her Father. Sunshine now filled her life as she had left all her problems with God. The path grew brighter and brighter, and beautiful flowers lined the sides. She sensed God very close, and felt remorseful that she hadn’t given her trials to God sooner.

 

A tap on the shoulder jolted her out of her thoughts. Turning, she saw every dream for companionship running along beside her, his eyes the picture of comfort, and his smile as though it was God’s own. More importantly though, his character shone brightly, like sunshine sparkling on oceans of blue. She struggled to find words for it and it was as if he had struck her silent. With every step he helped her along instead of dragging her back, and she thrived in the double dose of God’s love. 

 

They encouraged each other more and more with each passing day. When one felt like giving up, the other carried them. When one grew faint, the other bathed them in God’s care and tender mercies. When one doubted their worthiness, the other led them to God and His righteousness, and showed them the loving Saviour. With each moment, they had someone to share their struggles and their joys. They built each other up and sought to benefit the other more than themselves.

 

God’s smile beamed like rays of light on golden fields. His princess had found her prince. She no longer had to travel alone, for God did not design that people should be alone in this sin-marred earth.

 

They were nearing home. Home everlasting. A forever home, to live in perfect harmony with their beautiful Creator and Redeemer. The race was nearly over, the prize was nearly won, the crown of everlasting life was soon to be given, and God overflowed with pure joy at the thought of meeting His dearly beloved children face to face. His love for them was so strong that He gave everything He could for their eternal happiness. 

 

So He does with you and I. Everything we ask and pray for, if it’s God will that we have it, will be granted us. Keep up the faith, child of the King. You are highly loved and prized more than you can imagine. Never give up. Keep looking up and trusting in God your Father. Keep going and never look back.