A Runner's Progression

So the other morning my husband and I went running in the morning before work. It started off as a light mist but quickly turned into an open heaven raining down heavy drops of grace rain. By the end of the run I felt so alive and was so glad we ran. It certainly did not start off that way.

Many would consider me in great shape and even an experienced runner due to the many years I have run track events, other sports as well as leisure running and exercising. Despite all of that, lately, I have been "out of commission." "Why should I even be bothered with this?" I wondered. So, I started off tired not even wanting to be bothered with getting out of bed right into physical exertion. I kept doing the motions necessary, clothes, sneakers, drinking water, stretching, opening the front door, and then taking that first step.

I began questioning, "What's the point of even doing this if it's going to be such a hassle?" Despite feeling this way, I kept running, focusing on my breathing to work those lung muscles again. My strides began to open up into a fluid motion.

Then, I hit the hill... "Can I make it over this? Will I have to stop? I probably should just quit." I asked for strength. I made it over the hill. The endorphins kicked in, and the wind blew me to the end.

Crossing the finish line makes the whole tiredness, questioning, wrestling, pushing, enduring WORTH IT ALL.

It's the same with our walk with the Lord. We are in a race, and whether we choose to quit before the end or not is the question. Crossing that finish line in faith with the Lord makes everything we've experienced in pain, trials, attacks, leaving relationships, letting the world go, I believe in FAITH is all worth it because HE IS WORTH IT. Jesus already accomplished the hardest part and gives us everything we need to endure and persevere through whatever we may face from the mole hill to the mountains. Walking or running, will you cross the finish line in faith?

If you don't want to trust me, trust HIM, because it will be worth more than you could ever think or imagine.