This year marks the 20th anniversary of the movie Runaway Bride. Not only was this popular film shot in my native Maryland, in some ways I could relate to its storyline. It curves like that of broken humanity on earth—not so parallel to a redeemed bride of Christ.
Although not a Proverbs 31 woman herself, main character Margaret “Maggie” Carpenter does try. In the end, she seems to get it right … albeit in her own strength, according to the script.
When I look back, I see times in my own immaturity when I either didn’t know God’s wisdom, Word or plan on a matter, or I willfully disobeyed. What seemed right in my own strength (self-reliance) only led to more troubles.
How about you? Who or what is your source for life decisions? Which way do you run when life hits hard?
God’s Word assures us we are safest when we flee from temptation and turn from sin, not from Him. Our solution, our freedom, our peace is found in union with Christ. Our journey-choice should be trust as we grow to know Him more. By His grace, when we arrive at the place of peace, we realize we have overcome troubles with His truth, even in the midst.
2 Thessalonians 3:16 (TPT) reveals, “Now, may the Lord himself, the Lord of peace, pour into you his peace in every circumstance and in every possible way. The Lord’s tangible presence be with you all.”
His Word and worship are strong links to His tangible presence in the face of opposition. God’s Glory overshadows us as we rejoice in Him, offering us protection and direction for a straight path (Ps. 5:11). We can choose to remain in His glory guard, His fortress, no matter who or what tries to provoke us into snares of false covenant (Ps. 59:16).
Stand firm we must. Eyes on Christ, singing His praises. God-dependent. Sanctified by Holy Spirit. Walking with Him in His plan for us.
We can be His ready bride.
With God’s help, we can draw near. We can focus. We can get past mockeries and be made mighty in His powerful anointing (Prov. 31:10, 17). We can be emotionally stable, even unafraid of tribulation (Prov. 31:21). We can run to Jesus and get our story right. Like Maggie Carpenter, we can turn in our running shoes. We can be clothed in His glorious majesty (Prov. 31:25). And, we can get on track to run the race we were called to run—the race to overcome, all the way to peace.
Too bad runaway bride Maggie Carpenter (and I) didn’t know this from the start.
“Hold forth the word of life that I may rejoice on the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain” (Phil. 2:16, MEV).
“and He will be their peace” (Mic. 5:5a) {eoa}.
Margaret D. Mitchell is the founder of God’s Love at Work, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that champions Christian women and their outreach in the world with the love of Jesus Christ. Follow her revelatory writings at godsloveatwork.com and margaretdmitchell.com.
This article originally appeared at godsloveatwork.com.
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