I am an avid runner. I run with vigor and can run long distances effortlessly. I have been running for so long, that instinctively, I lace up my shoes and hit the pavement whenever life becomes too much.
Some run marathons, others run for leisure, I however, am much more skilled in running from God. (Which let me tell you has far fewer perks and my quads don’t look nearly as svelte!)
My long distance ‘runs’ have consisted of two cross country moves after bad breakups. I have spontaneously called off plans, missed flights, and aimlessly run from uncertain future’s, overwhelming fears, and even bible college. (…Yes, I ran away from Bible college, and no, I don’t regret it!)
I have also been known to run TO things: family, friends, the latest and greatest self-help book promising ‘102 Ways To Get Your Life Back On Track.’ Even, Google!
My running has taken me everywhere, and yet it has succeeded in getting me absolutely nowhere.
I noticed I was ‘running’ again when just days after my world was rocked I already had my bags packed to go home, and had already ordered the said ‘self-help book’ to arrive just in time for my flight (a book that later, would interestingly enough be thrown against the wall 3 pages in!)
Around that time I made a decision.
I picked up the book that had just met my living room wall, dusted off the cover and murmured apologies to the author as I tucked it out of reach, and into the back of my dresser.
I wouldn’t be needing it…
I wanted God himself to speak to me.
Though many before me have gone through what I am currently going through and possibly even have stories of victory that may be encouraging, while that book could have inspired me to write an especially doting review on Amazon (had I finished it )I wanted to hear HIM. For good or for bad, I almost demanded it!
And when He spoke I made a promise that I would take note of every. single. thing. that He said. (And in 40 days, he has only said one thing!)
One thing over and over…
Stand still.
Stay Calm.
The Lord will rescue YOU.
You may recognize this from the verse I used in a post earlier this year. “…Don’t be afraid. just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today… The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” Exodus 14:13
This verse speaks to the uncontrollable restlessness in my heart, the emotions that change on a whim and the desire deep within to bolt out the door, book the next flight and escape it all!
In those moments it’s something to hold onto, an answer to give the most lingering questions. A motto, if you will. And on a rough day, an ultimatum even.
…Stand still. Stay Calm. The Lord will rescue me…
When I need answers now, and my lack of guarantees has me wanting to run for the hills, I will stand still and wait.
When I have been left questioning every decision I have ever made, every lie I have endured… when I can’t see out of this mess, and the odds are stacked against me… When I feel like I just can’t risk it because I am already treading water… I will stay calm.
Whether today gets better, or worse. Whether the answers we receive are the ones we have been longing for, or the ones we most dread, our God promises to rescue us today. Possibly even better, He promises when tomorrow comes, that He will rescue us then too! ( And the next day…and the next day… )
We need only stand still, and stay calm.
***As for my desire to run, I have decided to put it to better use and attempt a 5k this spring. I figure if I am even half as good as I am at running from God, then I will probably be twice as good as I think! 🙂
Krista Ortiz 
I like your writing. And I totally get turning to other things in times if hardship. You’ll do great in the 5k! I just did my first one last year.
LikeLike
Nice! Good for you! I guess we will find out if I have what it takes… If the blogs stop coming then it’s entirely possible I didn’t make it! 😉
LikeLike
I don’t always comment, but I just wanted to say that I am constantly encouraged by yours and Rachel’s posts. Even if it isn’t specific to what I am going through, I am always pointed back to Christ in whatever my circumstance is when I read. Today, I need to stand still and wait for the Lord too, instead of running from things I know I have to deal with sooner or later! Thanks Krista!
LikeLike
Thanks for reaching out Alex! I will be praying for you as you wait on The Lord to rescue you. Hang tight, (stay calm) help is on the way! 🙂
LikeLike
It is easy to say that we trust God but it is during the rough times that we truly get to show what we are really made of and you, Krista, don’t only write about trusting God, you are truly living it and inspiring us all!
LikeLike
Thank you 🙂
LikeLike
This is a good one Steph!
Mom
>
LikeLike
This was very encouraging. I can definitely relate. Thank you!
LikeLike
glad I am not the only crazy one! 🙂
LikeLike
Krista, you don’t know me but I am sooo blessed and encouraged by your strength and willingness to let us know you. I too am in a place of standing still and staying calm. While our situations might be different, just the reminder that I am not alone on that “road” is so very comforting. I will continue to lift you up in prayer as we wait and trust our precious lord to rescue us all in HIS perfect timing.
LikeLike
Praying for you also Sylvia! It surprises me each and every time that anyone can relate to anything I say. It’s as if God is always reminding us that we are not alone in our circumstances. How comforting that is! Thanks for reaching out!
LikeLike
I enjoy reading your raw thoughts and emotions, thank you! You have talked about your “world rocked”, but I haven’t read anywhere of what this was concerning. Have you not specifically mentioned the “event”, or have I missed something? You certainly don’t need to, I was just wondering if somewhere in the blog, I had missed a post concerning this.
Prayers for you and peace be with you!
JennNY
LikeLike
Hey jenny! I have not specifically said what it is that I am going through, not on purpose or anything, it just hasn’t felt like the right time yet. Though i certainly will I am sure, at some point. I write each week about what God has put on my mind, and lately he hasn’t been pressing me about what I am going through, but more my feelings and my need for Him in the midst of it. Not sure if that makes sense? Who know’s maybe next week will be the week I lay it all out there… maybe. 😉 Thanks for reaching out and asking! And for praying! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that!
LikeLike
Totally understandable! Sometimes we need to focus on the outcomes (emotions, feelings, reliance on God) of the “event” instead of the event itself!
Thanks for responding.
I live about 45 min. northwest of Albany and go to NYC every chance I get! 🙂 It is my favorite place to be. I am enjoying reading about your journey into NYC life!!
JennNY
LikeLike
It is quite an amazing (read:crazy) place isn’t it? 🙂
LikeLike
You. Are. Killing. Me.
If we lived in the same city…we’d have a regularly scheduled coffee date.
LikeLike
Tammy, that sounds DIVINE. If only… 😉
LikeLike