Get a Running Start

A pole-vaulter can’t clear the bar by standing still. Instead they have to take a running start.

When David went out to do battle with Goliath, he wasn’t hesitant or doubtful. It says he ran toward the battle. While Goliath came with all his military might and skill, David believed he had the edge, because he came to the battle in the name of God.

David had total confidence in the victory.

David was flexible to the will of God, not settling for the standards set by others when he refused to wear Saul’s armor. David lived life above the bar.

The Bible talks about getting a running start, but not towards evil, but towards good. The Bible says the Lord hates feet that race towards doing wrong, Proverbs 6:18. Instead we need to run towards the Lord, and we do that by moving forward in His word.

“I run in the path of Your commands, for You have set my heart free.” (Psalm 119:32)

When we run in the pathway of God’s word, then God will set our hearts free.

The writer of Hebrews tells us that we are to run the race set before us, but in the process throw off, that is confess and repent of, all the sin and the weight that inhibit our progress, Hebrews 12:1.

When pole-vaulters get ready to make the jump they strip down to their shorts and a tee shirt. They don’t jump in their sweats because that just adds extra weight and prevents them from making it over the bar.

The same goes for our lives. There is a lot of junk we continue to hold onto to, like guilt and shame over the past. We also continue to do those things that may not be sin, but is unhealthy for our lives. This is added weight preventing us from being everything God has created for us to be, that is, it prevents us from getting above the bar.