What running has taught me about God....
for many of you who know me, you know that I am an avid runner. Probably 5-6 miles most days a week. I really love it. The fresh air, the runner's high, the feeling of running away all the negative. It helps me clear my thoughts and makes me in a better mood. Just me, God, and my running shoes hitting the pavement. My past behind me, the Cross before me. No turning back....
1. Self-discipline
God calls us to live full lives with self-control and fruitfulness-- the type of self-control that comes from the Holy Spirit.
But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
Running takes self-discipline. Sometimes the first steps are the hardest. Today my alarm went off at 5:30 a.m. -- I wanted to push snooze, roll over and go back to sleep, so I prayed for the strength to get up and go.. I knew that if I ran I could use my time better this evening and focus better at work... I got up at went... taking steps of faith- finding satisfaction in doing what I know is good for my body. In the same way we are running the race for the Lord,--- for the Gospel. Sometimes we would rather go to sleep or watch TV than have a quiet time--- it takes self-control and discipline from the Spirit to set time aside to do so. When we don't are lives are often filled with dissatisfaction, but when we do-- we gain so much.2. Endurance
Running takes endurance. The more you run; the farther & faster you can go. the better you get. You train your body to endure more. With time you get better and better. In Scripture Paul makes several references to running the race for the Gospel-- about training our bodies and hearts and spirits to fight the good fight. Following the Lord and full filling the Great Commission isn't easy but we are called to do so. And that takes training and not giving up-- it takes fighting the good fight!
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 ESV
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."The prize is Christ, we will be judged in the end what do you have to offer at Christ's feet?
3. Urgency for the Gospel
Christ calls us to take the Gospel to the nations (Matthew 28). The Great Commission calls us to share our faith. In a race or marathon we strive for the finish line. We trust in our training and "give-it all we got". In the same way we do not know when Christ is coming back so we must run- persevere with urgency for the "finish line" which is the Kingdom of God. Feel that urgency to beat Satan. Feel the urgency to reach the lost. Race, fight, push. Don't give up. Christ is coming back!!!!
4. Recovery
At the end of a run I feel a great sense of peace and accomplishment. I did it! When we finish what we were sent out to do we find satisfaction in reaching our goal. Do not give up-- we will share in Christ's glory. Are efforts for the Kingdom are not in vain.-- but when I run I still need breaks from time to time. I stop- walk- get a drink of water- refuel. In the same way God calls us to rest and along the way we find Satisfaction and Peace in Him. He calls us to a Sabbath-- a time of recovery. Just as runners need to "recover"-- we need time to dwell in God's peace and presence.
"There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience."
Hebrews 4:9-11 NIV
Isaiah 40:28- 31
"but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
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