Bible Society of South Africa

Keep running – 14 February 2023

By Benescke Janse van Rensburg

Bible text(s)

Romans 8

28We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose. 29Those whom God had already chosen he also set apart to become like his Son, so that the Son would be the eldest brother in a large family. 30And so those whom God set apart, he called; and those he called, he put right with himself, and he shared his glory with them.

God's Love in Christ Jesus

31In view of all this, what can we say? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:28-31GNBOpen in Bible reader

Ephesians 3

20To him who by means of his power working in us is able to do so much more than we can ever ask for, or even think of: 21to God be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, for ever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21GNBOpen in Bible reader

At a recent athletic event in America, a 7-year-old girl, Talaya, participated in a short distance event. In a video her mother took next to the track (see link to video below), you can see Talaya started the race. She then loses her shoe, stops to put it back on and then run with all she has in the race. About 50 meters to the end, Talaya not only catches up with the rest of the participants, she passes them to be crowned the winner of the race.

The video gives me goosebumps every time I watch it as it illustrates what God can do for us in our lives – if we let him. As soon as we face an obstacle, it feels like that moment when Talaya’s shoe fell off. It brings us to a halt. In that moment we can either choose to walk off the track feeling sorry for ourselves or we can choose to surrender to God, run with all we have, knowing that he strengthens us.

God wants to help us. He just waits for us to hand over the control of a situation to him. In Romans 8:28,31 we read: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. … What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” In Ephesians 3:20-21 it is written: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory …” (NIV)

God is always able to do much more than we can pray or think – in your marriage, finances, health, workplace, you name it. Let’s give him control of our lives. God bless.

Prayer: Father God, thank you that I can surrender my life to you. I specifically bring (name the situation) to you. Please fill me with faith knowing that you cause all things to work together for those who love you. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Bible Society of South Africav.4.24.4
Find us on