Running: A Great Metaphor For Christian Life
Anyone who knows me at all knows that I run. I'd like to think of myself as a runner, but honestly, I'm more of a wanna be. Don't get me wrong, I run, sometimes the passion for it consumes me, but when I watch marathons on t.v. or a running event, I have to admit, I'm a pretty sorry excuse at times for the sport! That's o.k. with me, because I do it for a different reason all together.
I have always been taught that we should have a "secret place" to meet with God. In a house with 5 other people, sometimes it is hard to come up with that alone time/spot, and as much as I tell myself that I'm just gonna have to get up at 5 a.m. to spend time with Jesus, it just doesn't happen!!! So, an amazing thing happens, I put on my running shoes and so does Jesus. We meet at the park, well he rides with me, and then we embark on a journey.
Sometimes, I pray. Sometimes I just meditate on what He has done for me and other times I am so consumed by His word that I don't remember much about the run except for the location where I had a revelation. There is a 4.5 mile loop that I usually do, and I know it like I know the back of my hand. I could run it in my sleep! There are several spots on the run that each time I run I remember things that God has told me, or places that even speak to me metaphorically about His love. I run on His strength because believe me, I have never been an athlete.
I remember my first race (that I finished!!) It was the 4th of July and the race was a 4 miler. There were close to 1000 people running. It was sooooo hot but I was sooooo excited! About mile 2 I wanted to die! I found myself running next to an older woman and she motivated me to keep going, telling me certain landmarks to look for and what mile they marked. Soon, I passed her and before I knew it, I had about 1/2 mile to go. I saw my husband and children, strollers and all, cheering me on. I looked down at my hands and on each I had a bible verse written. On the left hand, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, and on the right, The joy of the Lord is my strength. As I crossed the finished line, I screamed "Thank You Jesus, and some people on the side line (didn't even know them) applauded and praised with me! God has taught me so much about myself and life through running. He has built my self confidence, He has made himself known to me in ways that are amazing. Just like life, it isn't easy, but at other times, I get that "runners high". It takes discipline, motivation and much strength from my creator. When it gets real tough, I say out loud, "Lord, thank you that you have made me a runner", and I'll continue with all of the other things He has made to be.
One of my favorite bible verses:[bible]Hebrews 12:1[/bible]
Life like running takes endurance. Sometimes I don't feel like running, sometimes I don't feel like getting out of bed! My Creator is my strength in all things, He helps me build my endurance and at the end of that endurance I shall have a crown!! That makes everything worth not quitting!
Thanks Lord, for making me a runner, let me always run with endurance the race which You have set before me, and let Your name be glorified!
|
|
Author: melisa
Location: Poland Ohio USA
Gender: Female
Age: 38
Blog Entries: 29 (archive)
Blog Comments: 159
i am 37 years old and live in ohio with my family. i am married and have four wonderful and crazy children!! i work full time, am involved with the youth at church and host a bible study twice a month at my house. i love to run although i...
view full biography
i was in and out or church when growing up. i gave my life to christ for "real" when i was 24 years old. he completely turned my life around, i stopped doing drugs and drinking immediately. i got connected to an amazing church and really started to digest the...
view full testimony
Becareful What You Pray, ...
Not Settling For Ordinary...
A Servant's Heart Is ...
I'll Take The Still S...
Are We Ready For Jesus...
A Letter To My Husband SH...
Brokeness, Healing, and T...
The Little Boy With Five ...
The First Time I Saw Jesu...
What's Wrong With You...
|
Log Into Chatroom 
I'll be able to have different spots where I will have revelations with God too...
A kenyan? I wish I could watch that race! I would definately cheer you on... ... . and take lots of pictures!!! Maybe you can post a picture of a kenyan running! Last year, Matt and I watched the Olympic marathon on t.v. It lasted around 2 hours but seemed like it was 15 minutes, it was very exciting, and the pace, I would have died after mile 2! Those runners made it look so effortless.