THE JOURNEY OF FAITH: WALKING AND RUNNING

The Christian life is often pictured as a journey—a steady walk and a determined race. The Word of God calls us to “walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,” meaning our steps each day should reflect the grace that found us (Eph. 4:1). To walk with Christ is to move in rhythm with His will, one step at a time, trusting His direction when the road feels long or uncertain. The believer’s walk is not hurried, but it is holy. Not perfect, but persevering.

Yet, there are moments when walking is not enough. The New Testament also calls us to run—to press forward with endurance toward the goal. Paul wrote that he had “fought the good fight” and “finished the race” (2 Tim. 4:7). The Christian race is not a sprint of emotion but a marathon of devotion. It is fueled not by self-effort but by the strength of the Spirit who renews us when we grow weary.

We are told to “run with endurance the race that is set before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb. 12:1–2). The beginning of the race may be marked by excitement and zeal, but what matters most is how we finish. Many start well but faint along the way. Others stumble early yet rise again through grace to cross the finish line with joy.

So today, keep walking faithfully and running boldly. When the path feels steep and the course seems long, remember—Christ ran before you, and He waits at the finish with a crown of righteousness and the words every runner longs to hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Bryan Dewayne Dunaway