Take the Challenge

Take the Challenge
I recently took up running again after a 4 year pause :). As I was running on the treadmill I realized how out of shape I really am! I found it mentally difficult to push myself into running 3 miles. However, I did manage to run an 8- minute mile my first week, but it took everything I had. I just wouldn’t give up and pushed myself to continue running---with every step I found it harder to take the next but I keep going until I made my 3- mile run…thanks be to God! I kept praying for strength and saying “Don’t stop, don’t give up, keep running”! For those of you that are runners or play any kind of sport you understand how it feels to challenge yourself and go beyond "what's comfortable". In those moments of complete exertion--- when you have nothing left to give and your strength is gone---it’s there that you find something of worth. It’s that feeling of accomplishment, achievement, joy, like anything is possible. You’ve done it (with God’s help); you gave it your all.
As I run I pray, which of course, makes me think about my faith. I thought about how in my life I am doing a faith-run. Oh, there are so many times it would be easier to step of the track and walk for a while, but that’s not what God has called us to do. He wants us to push ourselves beyond our limits. Do what we think is impossible. And, then to trust that when we give it all to Him there will be something good waiting for us. It’s not listening to the distractions that are placed before us and worrying about what others might think. It’s keeping our focus on Him and not allowing things, people, or places to cloud our vision (and our goal) of the truth that only lies in God. He is our Lord and Master and we belong to Him. He has placed us where He wants us to be. For His greater glory. We just need to keep running the race and praying for strength to continue on. And, in those times of uncertainty we look to the other runners and gain strength by watching their momentum in living the faith. It’s the breath of fresh air and encouragement we need to keep pushing forward. And, for those times that we fall due to our lack of concern or attention we must go to ask for forgiveness and be reconciled ---please Father, forgive me I have sinned against you. Help me to sin no more and to be holy. I love you above all things.

It is amazing how everything, even running, can lead you back to God.

God bless you,
Tricia