“That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”
Romans 1:15–16
In a disturbing news story titled, “Be More Prepared: Runner Escapes Attack At East Louisville Park,” a woman training for a marathon at Beckley Creek Park in Louisville, Kentucky, was attacked while running alone on a wooded trail. She described how she noticed a man behaving oddly but initially dismissed it. Moments later, he grabbed her and threw her to the ground. She was able to fight him off using mace and escape with her life. Though she suffered only minor physical injuries, the emotional weight remains.
Now, she’s urging others to stay alert and be prepared.
And while it is critical to speak out about physical safety, there is an even greater danger most people are not prepared for—the spiritual danger that leads to hell, or, eternal separation from God. Jesus Christ said:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6
There is only one way to eternal life. Not many paths. Not many names. One. And that way is Jesus, the One whose death, burial, and resurrection secured salvation for all who believe. This is exactly why the apostle Paul was so bold and so urgent. He didn’t treat the Gospel as optional. He was eager to preach it—because he understood what was at stake. Neither should we!
“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
Let that sink in. The Gospel is not just good advice; it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes. And that power is found in no other name. Not in religious systems. Not in moral effort. Not in any of the thousands of belief systems in the world. Every other self-proclaimed “god” is dead and without power.
There are thousands of religions, but there is only one empty tomb.
That fact demands a response from every born again believer. We cannot stay silent. We cannot shrink back. We cannot be ashamed.
My friend, the reality of hell for the lost and dying around us—demands that we fight the enemy. The souls of every human are at stake! The Gospel is the greatest gift of life. We must be prepared—at all times—to speak the truth in love and proclaim the Gospel clearly.
Just like that runner now warns others to be physically prepared, we are called to be spiritually prepared, ready to point people to Jesus, the only One who can save them.
Happy Running!
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, give me boldness. Remove any fear or shame that keeps me from sharing the truth. Help me to see the urgency, that people around me are spiritually dead without You. Burden my heart for the lost. Help me to be prepared, willing, and eager to speak the Gospel wherever You place me today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Melissa Sharp is an ultra runner and running coach who has completed more than 100 marathons and ultra marathons. Melissa has learned how to keep running the race of life for the glory of Christ even though she endured decades of domestic abuse. Melissa is a survivor. Through her daily blog thejoyfilledrunner she inspires others to live in the strength of Christ.
