The Christian Marathon of Life

I am a runner and have been since Jr. high, technically speaking, if you call getting nicknamed "Crash" for falling over my first set of hurdle jumps running... even later in my early running rendezvous, the special nickname came back again for my notorious spill at our Regional meet my freshman year in high school, and getting hit by a truck with my bff Marne while I was, ironically, running (yes, it was very freshman of us to run across a busy road without a crosswalk... so this must be where my fear of crossing streets comes from... I even have feared intersections.)

So, what was I saying, yes, even with all my infamous woes, I love running. Recently, I went to visit my new favorite vacation spot which happens to be my sister's house in Seabrook, Texas. I decided I would do my long run the first morning there.

Around 9 the next morning, I set off. As I ran, God began to show me similarities running has to the Christian's walk with God. Without further ado, I would like to share my word picture with you.

When a runner begins their run, they begin with more energy. They are not yet overwhelmed with tired legs or unstable breathing patterns. They are not fighting to keep moving. They are probably taking off with a pretty good pace to begin their run. In our Christian walk, we set off so well in the beginning usually. "Our first love" relationship with Christ is similar even to a new couple. They are madly in love in the beginning. I can remember when I first set my teenage heart on Christ, and I began to spend time with Him. I would study the Bible and pray every night in my room for at least an hour, if not longer. I loved my time with God. I naturally began memorizing scripture as I was reading so much of it. From time to time, I would even fall asleep with my light on because I had fallen asleep spending time with God. God's joy truly flooded all the other areas of my life and I talked about what He was doing or shared scriptures with others or prayed for them. I started my journey with Christ so well, just as I began my run so well that particular morning.

My goal run for that morning was an hour, which is approximately 6 miles (ten minute miles to be exact). Within my run, I had to find my stride. My stride was a consistent pace that I would set myself to possess, with steady breathing, with good bodily form as opposed to elbows and feet flying everywhere, only to exhaust me more. But rather, a consistent, steady, constant, patterned pace to keep up. Some strides way out blow mine, I know that with the right training and mindset, it is possible to obtain a very fast pace, something I have yet to do. How is our pace with God? I seem to be constantly asking myself this question. Many times I only have a failed response and need Christ's forgiveness. However, I know that He is my consistency... especially when it's tough for me to find my pace. He is to be my center and focus, His Word an ongoing path for me to follow whichever direction I am heading. And though my particular run might end soon, there is always another run another day, and I will always need my consistency to be in Christ. My distracted heart must not dwell upon life's troubles, but the One who helps me overcome them. We must find our consistent stride in Christ.

As I was running that day I also thought about the movie Forest Gump. I loved the running seens with him taking off one day and just running for so long. And his followers. The people needed someone to believe in. I have recently found a running friend that has blessed me immensly. She holds me accountable to the sport I love so passionately and lazily. When we run together, we push each other to run well wiht our constant encouragment. Now we are training for a half marathon. I am so excited as it has long been a hope of mine to do another one. (I did my first full marathon in 2005, prebaby.) Where are our running partners in our journey with Christ? The individuals in the body of Christ desparately need the accountablity, encouragment, strength, prayers that come from healthy friendship. We need more than just motivation, we need tough love. We need each other's honesty to help keep us and grow us in our walk with Christ. Just as Gump's runners followed him so diligently, who will follow us? Who will we encourage along the way in our run? Where are we called to minister in and outside of the body of Christ? I have always found that a run is always so much easier when you're with another person. The conversation, the challenges, it truly is more fulfilling that running alone. We need eachother.

I stated earlier that my goal was to run an hour that morning. I did complete it in the end, but not without some mental and physical hardship. I was tired. My legs did begin to hurt. I had to refocus my breathing several times. I had to push myself to complete my goal and not give up. I also wanted to recover my pace, if I had slowed down any, and especially finish strong.
For those of you who know me well, you might have heard me say once, twice, or several times, that I believe our generation is living in the end times. Well, now I'm saying it again because I still believe it to be true. But whether the end or not, it is a pecuilar and tough time to live in. Extreme natural disasters, major global and national government decisions and even wars and potential of more. All of this hangs over our head as we endure the pressure of fitting in to a very fast paced and changing world. Fashion pressures, financial strains, marriage, raising children, the list goes on of all that hovers us in our every day endeavors. Life is tough. Period. We must find something within ourselves, with God's help, to finish strong. Live well, love much, laugh often... do whatever you have to do to live with conviction, integrity, passionate pursuit of Christ, and selfless love. Find the sprint within you to finish strong. All of the pain you are enduring is only temporary now anyway... Christ knew this so He even promised us life abundantly (John 10:10). Endure this run of life. Endure it well, don't let the enemy rain on your run with Christ... but out run him and his lies in Christ name... don't you think this is what God wants? And if so... won't He give us the ability to do so? Be encouraged- He's never tired... you can make it!

In conclusion, let's return to our first love in our run with Christ. Let your consistent stride be focussed on Christ and His love. Run with others in the body of Christ and encourage those who follow you. (You do have followers whether you realize it or not, definetly if you have children, and even younger siblings!) Finish strong in Christ name!