It's natural to run away when things get tough.  It's called "survival instinct" or "self-preservation".

It's what caused men to jump in lifeboats when the Titanic sunk, leaving behind woman and children to die.

It's what causes trained bullfighters to jump out of a ring when attacked.


It's what causes leaders to run from conflict and ignore difficult situations.

Running is a natural response to pressure.

It takes a supernatural response to lead and learn when the pressure gets turned up.

Listen to these words from James 1:1-5 in the Message Bible.

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. 

 ^5-8If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.