“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” 2 Timothy 3:1–5
A tragic and chilling incident from March 29, 2025, underscores this chilling heartlessness Paul warned about. That morning around 7:15 a.m., 54-year-old marathon runner Ann Seidl was struck and killed by a vehicle while running on a county highway in Wisconsin. First responders found her in a ditch and attempted life-saving measures, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Car parts at the location confirmed she had been hit by an automobile.
The driver was 17-year-old Addison Bowell. Authorities determined Bowell had been drinking heavily and using marijuana that night, with a preliminary blood alcohol content of 0.144—nearly twice the legal limit. She admitted to police that she hit “something” but didn’t stop or care because she was distracted by her phone and driving in the wrong lane. When informed she had killed a person, not a vehicle, Bowell reportedly responded with unbelievable callousness:
“Who walks on the road at 3 in the morning? Like… bro…”
This heartbreaking event aligns precisely with Paul’s description in 2 Timothy 3: increasing selfishness, lack of self-control, brutality, unthankfulness, and despising what is good. In these last days, people chase pleasure over godliness, display arrogance and apathy toward human life, and some profess a “form of godliness” while denying its transforming power. The apostle Peter gave this urgent warning:
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8
As we draw nearer to Christ’s return, these perilous traits in people will intensify. The enemy seeks to devour through deception, division, and destruction. We must respond with clear-eyed discernment, spiritual sobriety, and unwavering vigilance.
This is not a time for fear, but for action.
The darkness around us makes the light of the Gospel shine brighter. Stay deeply connected to a local church where you can grow together, learn how to share your testimony effectively, and build accountability with other believers. Cultivate a strong, consistent quiet time of prayer and Bible study each day. Keep your relationship with the Lord so vibrant and intimate that His presence is manifested through you wherever you go. When the fruit of His Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—flows naturally from our lives, it gives others a bright beacon of hope in a darkening world. (Galatians 5:22–23)
The fruit of God’s Spirit cannot be faked. It comes from a genuine relationship with Christ. If you are born again, now is the time to cultivate this relationship! It will enable you to share the Gospel boldly and live with integrity. It will motivate you to stay rooted in Scripture, prayer, fellowship, and obedience so you can stand firm and help others do the same.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the Word that tells us what we can expect to see before the return of Jesus. Lord, cause this to stir our hearts to action rather than fear, knowing that the time to share the Gospel is now. Help me cultivate my relationship with You. Cleanse my own heart from the sin that comes between us. Motivate me to hate sin and love the sinner. Lord, I want to be a bright light in the darkness. Shine through me! It’s in Your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!
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.
