Run Forward
- Henley Samuel
- Aug 16
- 4 min read
August 16, 2025
Today, let's explore what it means to run toward our challenges rather than away from them. When we face obstacles head-on with faith and conviction, we position ourselves for victory. This isn't just positive thinking—it's biblical faith in action that transforms our circumstances and propels us forward in our spiritual journey.
The Power of Decisive Action
In 1 Samuel 17, we find a powerful moment that reveals the heart of a true champion:
When the Philistine rose and came forward to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. - 1 Samuel 17:48
David didn't hesitate. He didn't walk cautiously. He ran quickly toward his giant. This wasn't recklessness, it was conviction in action. While others stood paralyzed by fear, David moved with purpose and determination.
The sooner you face your challenge, the sooner you'll experience your victory. Many of us delay confronting our problems, hoping they'll somehow resolve themselves. But faith requires movement. As Scripture tells us:
Faith without works is dead. - James 2:26
David knew what he believed. He understood his covenant relationship with God. He recognized that the time for action was now, not tomorrow, not when circumstances seemed more favorable, but immediately.
Breaking Free from Stagnation
How often do we find ourselves stuck in difficult situations, repeatedly asking God to move while we remain stationary? The truth is, it's not God who is stuck, it's us. God is waiting for us to take that first step of faith.
Think of it like being caught in traffic. The police may direct you to an alternate route, but if you don't follow their instructions, you'll remain trapped indefinitely. Similarly, God provides direction, but we must be willing to move.
Some find comfort in remaining stuck because it allows them to avoid responsibility and accountability. It's easier to blame others than to take action. But this mindset only prolongs our struggles and delays our breakthroughs.
From Victory to Victory
The Christian life isn't meant to be a series of defeats punctuated by occasional wins. Rather, it begins with the victory Christ has already secured and progresses from one triumph to another:
From strength to strength, from glory to glory, from grace to grace.
You determine how quickly you move from one victory to the next. God has already provided everything you need through Christ, but your willingness to act on your faith accelerates your progress.
Beyond Worldly Qualifications
When Samuel came to anoint a new king, he was initially drawn to those who appeared qualified by worldly standards. David's own family didn't even consider him worthy of attending the dinner with the prophet. Yet God saw something different:
God doesn't operate based on your ability, talent, comfort zone, knowledge, finances, education, physical status, or bank account. He operates based on how ready your heart is.
David failed every conventional eligibility requirement to be a soldier. He wasn't tall enough, old enough, or experienced enough. But he had something far more valuable, a heart fully surrendered to God and absolute confidence in his covenant relationship.
Faithful in Small Things
After David's anointing, nothing dramatic immediately changed in his circumstances. He returned to tending sheep and serving his father. Yet he understood that faithfulness in small tasks prepares us for greater responsibilities.
When the opportunity finally came, David was ready. He didn't need to prepare—he had been preparing all along through his daily faithfulness and intimate relationship with God.
Speak What You Want to See
David's victory wasn't just in his actions but also in his words. Before the battle even began, he declared:
For the battle is the Lord's, and He will give you into our hand.
He spoke what he wanted to see, not what was visible to everyone else. While others saw an undefeatable giant, David saw a defeated enemy. And what he spoke manifested in reality.
When you face your mountains your problems, challenges, and obstacles speak God's Word over them. Don't describe your situation; declare God's promise over it. As a child of God in covenant relationship with Him, your words carry power.
Conclusion
Today, run quickly toward your battles with confidence that God is with you. Don't wait for perfect circumstances or complete understanding. Move forward in faith, speak what you want to see, and watch as God turns your declarations into manifestations.
Your victory has already been won through Christ. All you need to do is go and take it.
Reflect on This
What challenge are you currently avoiding that God is calling you to face head-on?
How might your words be reinforcing your problems rather than declaring victory over them?
Prayer
Father, I declare that I am ready to run toward my challenges with confidence and faith. I am not defined by worldly qualifications but by my covenant relationship with You. I speak victory over my circumstances today. The battle is Yours, Lord, and You have already given me the victory. I refuse to remain stuck in fear or doubt. I am moving forward in faith, speaking what I want to see rather than what currently exists. Thank You that my victory is already secured in Christ. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Key Takeaways
Faith requires action run toward your challenges rather than away from them.
It's not God who needs to move; it's us who need to take the first step of faith.
God values heart readiness over worldly qualifications or appearances.
Faithfulness in small tasks prepares you for greater opportunities.
Speak what you want to see, not what currently exists.
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To dive deeper into this powerful message, watch the full sermon on our YouTube video below.
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