My sister and I started training for the Blue Ridge Half Marathon this weekend. That's right, the stair run is over and now it's time to start prepping for another race. I'll be raising support for City Mission Roanoke again with this race, so please stay tuned for more info on how you can be a part of giving and participating in this ministry.
We are studying Philippians as a church body, and through it God has reminded me that my hope is in Jesus, my citizenship is in heaven, and I need to press on and remain steadfast in this journey. Life on earth is so short...and earthly treasures will not satisfy my soul.
Paul (the author of Philippians who is writing from jail) uses running language in Chapter 3. He says, "But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Paul (the author of Philippians who is writing from jail) uses running language in Chapter 3. He says, "But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
He lets go of the chains of his past (failures, sin, regret), works to put one foot in front of the other (it's not easy, he strives daily), and doesn't give up but continues moving forward day by day (no matter what's thrown at him) - all with the prize of eternal life with Jesus Christ as his motivation.
The Christian life is not for the faint of heart. It's not a sprint. We don't run a lap at top speed and then quit. It's a marathon. We run a slow and steady race - day by day, often talking ourselves in to putting one foot in front of the other while in pain, discomfort, and wanting to quit because it's just too hard. It's easy to give up when we're tired (well, it is for me, anyway). But, when we keep our "why" in mind, each step has purpose, and although difficult, completely worth the struggle.
It's also helpful to have friends who strive alongside us for encouragement and strength. Paul had Timothy and Epaphroditus. Who do you have? You are not alone. Don't try to man-up and go it all by yourself. Reach to that sister or brother and receive encouragement. Give out encouragement - don't hold positive words inside. Be strengthened by living in community like God designed us to live. Oh the pain of mile 18...and 19...and 20...will it ever end? If I was alone, I'd quit, sit down, and let the sun shrivel me up. But, with friends by my side, I press on. Because they're in pain too. And we're in this together. We are depending on each other to keep going, to speak out loud, to tell each other we can do it, because God is our strength.
We are guaranteed trials, but with them we are promised the hope of Jesus Christ. He loves you and is your strength in times of struggle. Lean on Him and let Him do the work for you. Press on, dear friends, and keep the True Prize in mind with each step.
The Christian life is not for the faint of heart. It's not a sprint. We don't run a lap at top speed and then quit. It's a marathon. We run a slow and steady race - day by day, often talking ourselves in to putting one foot in front of the other while in pain, discomfort, and wanting to quit because it's just too hard. It's easy to give up when we're tired (well, it is for me, anyway). But, when we keep our "why" in mind, each step has purpose, and although difficult, completely worth the struggle.
It's also helpful to have friends who strive alongside us for encouragement and strength. Paul had Timothy and Epaphroditus. Who do you have? You are not alone. Don't try to man-up and go it all by yourself. Reach to that sister or brother and receive encouragement. Give out encouragement - don't hold positive words inside. Be strengthened by living in community like God designed us to live. Oh the pain of mile 18...and 19...and 20...will it ever end? If I was alone, I'd quit, sit down, and let the sun shrivel me up. But, with friends by my side, I press on. Because they're in pain too. And we're in this together. We are depending on each other to keep going, to speak out loud, to tell each other we can do it, because God is our strength.
We are guaranteed trials, but with them we are promised the hope of Jesus Christ. He loves you and is your strength in times of struggle. Lean on Him and let Him do the work for you. Press on, dear friends, and keep the True Prize in mind with each step.
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