Marathon Running
People that run marathons are a dedicated bunch.
They train faithfully, in all kinds of weather…always with that focused attention to detail that produces “winners”. Some hire coaches to help them train and to endure to the end.
Marathon running…it can be grueling before, during, and after the event. One friend actually lost a toe as a result of being determined to finish the race. She persevered in spite of the pain. Maybe even because of it. She had worked so hard to get to this point. She simply could not give up! Would not give up!
I know that the water stations along the way are like an oasis in the desert. Along with the refreshment of the water, they are also a place to receive encouragement to persevere. People cheer you on at these specially prepared refreshment stations. It is critical to be reminded of the goal to finish.
Marathon Running
Time on this earth–as followers of Christ–can seem like running a marathon.
It is critical to keep focused toward the goal. Christian Life Coaches often help people to hold their focus toward their goals: “Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead…the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14). Paul also said in that same verse: “…but one thing I do…”
Is that the one thing we do?
To press on with our eye toward the goal of spending eternity with Jesus? Is that our joy and focus? Do we love Him enough to go through the grueling training before, during, and after the event of “going home to be with the Lord”? Are we willing to lose a toe …or worse…in the process?
Or are we distracted toward the worldly prizes more than the heavenly ONE? Do we try to take shortcuts because the training is so hard?!
Run Your Race
Today is a new day! Let’s keep cheering one another on. This is a great day for a fresh start with a fresh perspective. Which marathon are YOU running? And which prize do you most value?
I’d love to hear from you. Have you done any marathon running?
How have you found it to compare to the walk of a disciple of Christ?
My quick thought is that following Jesus is a lot easier on the knees. I am not much of a runner, however if I have a good pair of shoes I can walk forever. My journey toward salvation seems like a good brisk walk. Along the way there have been mouton tops, valleys, and lots of flat Delaware coastal plains. Guess Jesus is like that good pair of shoes, without Him I would not get far.
Comment by Ellen
Ellen, I’m not a runner either. I’d be the one on the sidelines encouraging the ones that are running. I love your analogy of Jesus being like a good pair of shoes. How true that without Him we would not get far…and we would be plagued with blisters for the trying of it! š
Comment by admin
Today would have been Bob’s 61st birthday! Wow! June 25.
Comment by Ellen
Bob was a really super guy! He made June 25 a very special day to remember!
Comment by admin
As someone who has run 20 5Ks, it would be difficult to do without the support from the community, all the other people who are running with you. It’s not uncommon to hear a “keep going”, “looking good”, “you can do it.” I believe that our communities of faith should strive to be more like that. We can support each other as we struggle up the hills, and congratulate each other when we reach the summits. There is so much that we are called to do for one another.
Comment by Christopher
Well said, Christopher. We do truly run the race toward the “finish line” so much better (whether physically or spiritually) when we have that encouragement from one another.
I’m reminded of a study of all the “one anothers” in Scripture. I’m not a “runner of 5K’s”. I’m the one on the sidelines saying, “keep going”…”you can do it”… š
Woo Hoo! TWENTY 5K’s…zowie! You have my admiration!
Comment by admin