Those who are confident in God’s love for them will always outrun those who are confident in their love for God.

‘So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. ‘ John 20:2-4

On the day that Jesus was taken to be crucified, the disciple Peter expressed in Luke 22:33 that he would go with the Lord “both to prison and to death!” Shortly after that, Jesus was captured, and on the way to his crucifixion, Peter denied Jesus three times in fear of being associated with the man about to be killed. On the third time, the bible says that Jesus turned to look straight at him.

Immediately, Peter was filled with guilt and remorse over what He had done. His intense emotions were overwhelming, and the Bible describes it by saying that He went away weeping “bitterly” (Luke 22:62). Peter was then additionally not present when Jesus hung on the cross. It is likely that Peter was carrying a heart filled with condemnation and guilt following his denial of the Messiah.

Three days later, the disciples received news about the empty tomb and Peter and John ran together to the tomb to see where the body of Jesus may have been. The Bible states, however, that John outran Peter, suggesting his passion and revelation of the love of God for him. It also says that as soon as John saw the empty linen clothes, he “believed” that Jesus had risen from the dead (John 20:8 AMP). Peter after seeing this, only wandered about what had happened (Luke 12:24). His troubled heart clouded his ability to discern that the Lord Jesus was alive, just as He had promised He would be!

Those who know they are loved by God will always outrun those who feel a sense of guilt or condemnation for their failures or mistakes. Knowing the unconditional and intimate love of God empowers you to run the race God has set before you without growing weary, despite difficulties, challenges and your own imperfections. Those who know they are loved by God will always outrun those who serve to be accepted rather than because they are already accepted. Additionally, those who are fully persuaded about Jesus will always outrun doubters. Later in John 21, John is also first to realise it is the Lord that appears whilst they are fishing (John 21:7) indicating the discernment and hopeful expectation of love he carried.

God loves YOU and giving your full “YES” to Christ by being unashamed and bold about your faith in Him produces incomparable freedom and joy. Ask the Holy Spirit to break the fear of man off your life as you step out in faith by being open with others about the truth of Christ and the Gospel. You will begin to experience the power of the Holy Spirit moving through you and residing within you.

Doubt produces discontentment, disobedience and weariness, while bold faith is filled with peace and overwhelming joy.

Allow the Lord to love you into freedom, holiness, belief, passion, wholeness and impact today.