Running a Race

As some of you may know, I recently took up running (okay, right now it looks more like walking mixed with jogging, but I'm getting there) with the goal of first completing a 5K, and then going into the police academy.  Because of my knees, I have to take it slowly to make sure that I don't make them worse (think of the ligaments in your knees tearing apart sideways- that's what it feels like most days for me to just walk).

I battle with myself every time I step on to the track.

"How far can I push it today?"

"Do I want to keep risking it?"

These questions I keep asking myself aren't positive ones.  I often wonder why I'm doing this- running and wanting to go into the academy.  And I start to think; am I that willing to give up on my dream?  

The answer that I tell everybody is "no, I'll keep pushing through this."  What I keep saying to myself is "am I going to make it? What if God's plans for me change? Then what? Will it all be worth it?"  I find myself not trusting in God both for healing and to bring me to the next step in my training.

But an old verse came back to me this morning:

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize."  -1 Corinthians 9:24

I haven't been running this race mentally in a way to get the prize.  Sure, I complete all the workouts, but mentally I keep telling myself I might not make the next one. But there are others who are way more dedicated to running than I am. They train every spare second that they have- mentally and physically.  Some of my friends are training for a half-marathon or marathon.

It's the same way in the true Race.  That verse continues on to say,

"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." -1 Corinthians 9:25-27

To be able to run a race, one must train. And train hard.  They have to be dedicated and have a strong will to finish.

So are you running like a man beating the air around you? Floundering to grasp what you know is yours? Do you run to get a shiny medal or a trophy?

Or do you train and run for God in the race of life?  Are you willing to discipline your body and mind for Him? To share the Good News to those around you requires training.

So, are you willing to train yourself for THE Race?  Are you willing to trust that God has a plan for you and your life that you can't even begin to imagine?  Don't get discouraged that there are others around you that seem to have it all together or that they have had more practice than you in such matters.  Because 1) I don't know a single person who has it all together and 2) everyone has their own pace. Just stick to it and see the amazing places it will take you.

I encourage you to join me on this journey. It requires a lot of training and is not for those who easily give up. But it is worth it.