Running is spectacular to watch, don’t you think? I had the privilege of watching both of my boys run with their teams in Jr.High and High School track and cross country seasons. The sheer determination of the person who propels themselves as quickly and a far as they can is inspiring. So inspiring in fact that I have used a C25K app to train and completed a 5K race myself, for the first time ever at age 54. (That is how incredibly accessible running is. If I can do this, ANYONE can do it.)
As a Christian, Paul tells us we are supposed to be running a race, one that God has set up for us. Did you know that? My race began 44 years ago! (Wow how time flies.) But as you read our scripture passage for today this race isn’t about me, it is about Jesus. It’s His race, and I have to choose to lace my figurative pair of shoes and step into it.
Back to the physical race: a couple of years ago I made the choice to see if it were possible to run a 5K road race. This was a huge leap of faith and commitment for me. I slowly and methodically built up my endurance from 5 minutes to 30 minutes. I faithfully used my app and kept my focus on making progress so that by the time the race date came I would be able to begin and finish.
When my spiritual race began, I needed lots of help. Lots of encouragement. I really needed God to speak to me through people, because I certainly didn’t recognize His voice yet.
It was some time before began to understand what it meant to “Fix my eyes” on Jesus let alone know how to do it. Like my physical 5K race preparation required focus, commitment, patience, perseverance, and sacrifice; my spiritual race has required the same.
The only thing at stake with my physical race was wounded pride or perhaps injury that would set me back temporarily and then fade away. What is at stake with my spiritual race is eternal.
He has planned a race for me but I still have to choose to run. I have to choose to be obedient to Him.
If not I lose out on His blessing. I don’t ever get fit. My spiritual endurance isn’t built up. Therefore, as difficult circumstances come I toss around and get beat up and bruised. He really can’t use me, because I haven’t grown, I haven’t gotten any stronger and don’t have much to offer anyone else.
Is it beginning to click with you yet? God has a race for you, it’s all mapped out. He doesn’t NEED you to run it, He wants you to, because it will be good for you. It will be tough at times, but oh so rewarding. I encourage you to lace up your shoes — and get moving.