Run The Race
I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!
(Psalm 119:32 ESV)
This fall sports season, my children embarked on a new and challenging sport – Cross Country.
Initially, they weren’t exactly willing participants. See, as students in the Tae Kwon Do/MMA discipline, a part of Black Belt testing is to complete a one-mile run within a certain time based on age and gender. My husband and I rationalized that Cross Country would be great for the kids to build up their speed, endurance and ability specifically for Black Belt testing (still about two years away).
Between us, their Cross Country coaches and a long-term goal of Black Belt testing, a race was set up before all three of them. While they initially complained and begged not to have to participate in 6am practices twice a week and competitive Cross Country meets, all three of them grew to embrace this race. They also discovered they had a natural ability for the sport, especially my eight year old. The childen finished the season strong with all of them gaining personal records along the way and participating in the Florida State FLYRA race on November 1. My youngest was the second fastest third grader in the State of Florida (FLYRA) for the open race. Not bad for a homeschooler in her first ever Cross Country season.
Yes, it was tiring. Many times they crossed the finish line wanting to collapse or get sick. Some race times were better than others. It was a challenge. Each race brought new schools, new competition, new terrain and some races we simply weren’t even in the same league as other kids who have been doing this for years. We made vacation and camping sacrifices to be at races and support the team and had early mornings at least two times a week. In the end, they grew to enjoy the sport, enjoy the race and embrace the challenge.
Many of us today are in a race. It may not be a physical 3K, 5K, 10K, half marathon or marathon. It could be a race against time where a health issue is concerned. It could be a race in the workplace. Schooling. Financial. Relationships. Whatever hardship or season you are going through, some type of a race is involved.
Take a look at some scripture related to “running” the race:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1 ESV)
“holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.”
(Philippians 2:16 ESV)
“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14 ESV)
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7 ESV)
Today, I hope you’ll take courage in the Word of God and run your race, whatever that race may be. God has our backs, He knows the outcome, He is already at the finish line as you race across it.
When you are in the midst of the race and you feel tired, worn out or think you can’t finish, re-read this verses in the Bible. Focus on how God is in control of whatever circumstances you face. Don’t give up running and don’t give up racing. Let the Lord and His word be your guide until the finish line.
In Christ Alone,
Dana
