STOP RUNNING: The Danger of Delayed Commitment

I clearly remember the exact moment I was given an opportunity to say “YES” to the Lord. Without going into too much detail, I flat-out refused—arguing that Jesus met people at just the right time.

Was that my right time?

I’ll never know because back then, I deliberately chose to run. I wanted to live life on my terms, unencumbered by the narrow Christian walk's restricting boundaries, standards, and demands.

I would then go on to spend a solid 12 years wandering in the world.

I’d like you to really take that in. 12 years spent meandering but never arriving.

Roaming.

Suffering.

Trying to force things to happen, dabbling in dangerous demonic doctrines, and wallowing in pride and ignorance.

10 steps forward, 100 steps back.

Until a sobering life event forced me gently back to my Creator. I had nowhere else to go, no one to turn to. I couldn't dig myself out of what I had gotten myself into.

I share this with you as a warning that rebellion and disobedience are sure paths to destruction and disaster.

When I hit rock bottom, at the most vulnerable and helpless point in my life, I asked God for a sign. A clear, loud, and unmistakable sign.

In His ultimate mercy, the Father sent help. He sent reassurance.

To shorten a long story, despite God’s obvious sign, it would be another 1.5 years before I FULLY surrendered my life to Jesus, choosing to follow His straight and narrow path.

I am recounting these details because, on this particular day, the Holy Spirit prompted me to reflect on how much time I’d wasted in the world, which was outside the will of God.

12 years.

I was genuinely shocked. I had NO IDEA it had been that long. How far would I have been if I had stayed on God’s path?

The consequences of living outside God’s will are catastrophic. For all the years spent outside His will, He could not bless me, even if He wanted to. I'm reminded of Jeremiah 17:5-6 (NIV)

Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord. That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives.

However, we have the reassurance that God is well able to catch us up according to Joel 2:25-27 (NIV)

I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten— the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm, my great army that I sent among you. You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you, never again will my people be shamed. Then you will know that I am in Israel, that I am the Lord your God, and that there is no other; never again will my people be shamed.

How long will you run?

Perhaps you’re like Bree from 12 years ago, who resisted ALL things to do with salvation, or you’re Bree from 1.5 years ago, who was still enamored by mixture's glitter and false promises.

Choose this day whom you will serve.

Stop running. Come back to the fold. Jesus is waiting to free you so that you may have life to the full (John 10:10).

You have wasted enough time already.

The Kingdom of God needs you to step into position for your assignment for such a time as this (Esther 4:14).

Allow Him to make you over and to perfect all that concerns you (Psalm 138:8).

You’re only a decision away from the peace that surpasses all human understanding, the fullness of joy and pleasures forever more (Philippians 4:7).

I pray this post has encouraged you to fully commit to walking out your journey with God.

If you can identify yourself in my story, I pray you will decide to walk boldly with Jesus and for the Kingdom of God.

May you receive the grace you need to give God your total commitment. And as you do that, watch Him recommit to you, too.