"Oh, that I had wings like a dove! For then I would fly away and be at rest." So said king David in Psalm 55:6 in response to his problems. Sound familiar? How many of us have not thought similar thoughts in response to our own ordeals? "If only I could run away, everything would be all right." "No more problems, no more burdens and no more overwhelming responsibilities." Or so we think. Just peace and happiness in a "land far away," free from the people and problems we are now facing. But really, what will we accomplish in "flying away"?

(1) Problems exist everywhere in life. Every community, every job and every church has its own issues and challenges. We may think we can avoid the slander and immorality, but where we are running to will have the same kinds of problems. Some places may have more of it than others, like Sodom, but every corner of the world has something to deal with. This is especially true of churches and cantankerous people. Every church has to eventually deal with ungodly and unruly members (1 Tim. 6:4,5; Titus 3:10,11).

(2) What if we are the problem? What if the trouble we are facing in life is a consequence of our own arrogant, irresponsible, immoral behavior? What if we have been the troublemaker and not even realize it? Or what if our poor stewardship has caused our heartache? Do we actually think we will not stir up trouble and have similar conflicts wherever we go? Can we run from ourselves?

(3) How will we ever mature as a Christian if we always run at the first sight of trouble? What does it mean to "let patience have its perfect work", if it does not mean to sit still and endure? Have you ever heard of anyone becoming stronger (in any aspect) without enduring intense pain? That’s what sets them apart from everyone else. While the average person is quitting, they have given themselves to patience and commitment.

    What about God? First of all, does His will permit us to run, especially from our responsibilities to others? Does He approve of not working, not forgiving or not repenting and confessing (if these are what we are running from)? Secondly, if we run from the truth, who will resume our stand when we leave? Who else will speak up for God if we do not? One less voice for God is one more voice for Satan! (Matt. 12:30).

(4) Rest is not in this life. Maybe we forget that God does not promise us rest from our trials in this life (2 Thess. 1:7). For now, we must endure and do as Paul said, "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God." Even Jesus had to suffer while on earth (Hebrews 5:8), but now He has rest.

    Let us count this world as rubbish, brethren, that we may gain Christ, and "know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings". We will eventually fly away from our trials (1 Thess. 4:17), if we remain loyal to God. But "let patience have its perfect work" on us for now "that we may be complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:4).