Run to the Father: Lessons from the Wolf
Abiding in Strength, Surrender, and the Call to Courage
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."
—Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)
My Dearest Althea & Cordelia,
There’s something about the wolf that demands attention. Maybe it’s the way it moves—steady, confident, with an unshakable purpose. Or maybe it’s the way it never walks alone, fiercely protecting its pack. Either way, the wolf teaches us something about who we are called to be in Christ.
Wolves are often misunderstood, seen as wild or dangerous. But in reality, they play a vital role in their environment. Their presence brings balance, their movements are intentional, and their loyalty is unwavering. Much like the plans God has for you—crafted with care, designed with purpose, and full of hope.
🐺 Animal Fact: The Strength of the Pack
Did you know that wolves can travel up to 30 miles a day? They are built for endurance, moving through mountains, forests, and open plains with determination and purpose.
But here’s what makes them truly remarkable: they don’t travel alone.
A wolf’s survival depends on its pack. They work together to hunt, protect, and support each other. Even the strongest wolf knows it is stronger in community.
And isn’t that how God created us to live? Not alone, not isolated—but walking together in faith, encouraging and strengthening one another.
🐺 Walking in Purpose & Trust
Just as a wolf never wanders without reason, God’s plans for you are not random. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us:
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Even when the path feels uncertain, God’s direction for you is steady. Every step you take is known by Him. Every challenge, every shift, every unknown—it’s all leading somewhere. Trust that your journey is intentional, even when you can’t see the full picture.
🐺 Abiding in Strength & Purpose
A wolf doesn’t wander aimlessly or isolate itself from the pack—it abides in the safety of its community, moving with intention and strength.
The Bible calls us to abide in Christ, just as wolves abide in the structure of their pack. The Greek word for abide, μένω (menō), means to remain, to endure, to stay rooted. It’s about staying connected, standing firm, and refusing to drift away.
Jesus said in John 15:4, "Abide (μένω) in Me, and I in you." This means staying close to Him, even when life gets hard.
💡 When challenges come, abide in His promises.
💡 When fear creeps in, abide in His strength.
💡 When you feel uncertain, abide in His love.
Just like a wolf remains faithful to its pack and never walks alone, we are called to stay close to God, to endure, and to walk boldly in His purpose.
🐺 The Real Battle: Surrendering to the Call
A wolf’s biggest challenge isn’t the wilderness—it’s learning to submit to the pack. An isolated wolf is vulnerable. But the one who surrenders, who abides in the order of the pack, finds strength, purpose, and survival.
And that’s our struggle too.
The real enemy? It’s not just out there.
It’s within—the part of us that won’t surrender, won’t obey, won’t accept the call.
We fight God’s leading because we think we know better. We resist His voice because we’re afraid of what surrender will cost. But Jesus calls us to lay it down.
💡 What in your heart is still resisting Him?
💡 Where are you holding back instead of surrendering?
It’s time to stop fighting the One who is for you.
Because when you surrender to Him, you don’t lose—you win.
🐺 He Calls, You Come Running—And He Runs to You
One of the most beautiful things about wolves is their loyalty to their pack. When called, they respond—immediately, instinctively, without hesitation.
And isn’t that what God asks of us?
"So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him?" (Matthew 7:11, NLT)
When we call out to God, He doesn’t delay. He doesn’t hesitate. He runs to us.
As parents, we do everything we can to run to our children when they need us, even in our flawed human nature. How much more does our perfect, loving Father run to us?
💡 When you cry out for help, He is already on His way.
💡 When you feel lost, He is running to guide you.
💡 When you need comfort, He doesn’t wait—He holds you instantly.
And here’s the best part—He loved us first.
"Oh, how I love Jesus, because He first loved me."
We don’t have to chase after God’s love. It was already running toward us before we ever knew we needed it.
🎵 Worship & Reflection
I want you to take a moment and listen to "Run to the Father" by Cody Carnes.
Let the words sink into your heart:
"I run to the Father, I fall into grace
I'm done with the hiding, no reason to wait
My heart needs a surgeon, my soul needs a friend
So I'll run to the Father again and again and again..."
Take a deep breath. Let this song be your prayer.
Where do you need to run to Him today?
What burdens do you need to release?
Where is He calling you to trust Him more?
Let Him meet you right where you are. He is already running toward you.
🐺 A Final Thought on Abiding
The wolf’s strength doesn’t come from wandering alone—it comes from abiding with its pack.
Your strength, my loves, comes from abiding in Christ. Stay with Him. Stay in His Word. Stay in faith. And when challenges come, don’t run—abide.
And when you call on Him?
He runs to you. Always.
But the real question?
Will you run to Him—or keep running from Him?
🐺 Stay steady, stay strong, and abide in Him.
🙏 Let’s Pray
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe. Thank You for the lessons woven into Your creation. Help me to walk with purpose, stand firm in faith, and move forward with courage. When fear rises, anchor me in hope. Transform my heart, Lord—make me strong, bold, and steadfast in You. Teach me to abide (μένω), to surrender completely, and to trust in Your plans.
And when You call—may I come running. And when I call, remind me that You are already on Your way.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
🌻 A Blessing Over You
May you abide (μένω) in Christ, standing firm in His love and walking boldly in His purpose. May you move forward with endurance, protected by truth, and strengthened by faith. And may you always know that you never walk alone—God is with you, leading you every step of the way.
🐺 Stay steady, stay strong, and abide in Him.
Love, Mom 🌻