If you have been hanging around 7 Days Time this year, you know that God has calling me to do some pretty outrageous things… At least for this girl who formerly hated running with a passion.
Yes, He has called me to become a runner. This year, by the complete grace, power and strength of Jesus, I have went from a gal who couldn’t run a mile to someone who ran a 10K (6.2 miles) and then also recently completed my first half-marathon (13.1 miles.)
I think I have become a crazy person… If not a crazy person in general, at least one who is more and more crazy about Jesus every single day.
I give Him all of the glory for this journey. (And I don’t think it is over yet… Stay tuned…)
A few things I have learned about running:
1. It is sweaty work.
2. The hardest part is usually getting out the door.
3. Long runs can be really long.
4. Running is a great time to think, pray, dream, plan and hope.
On a recent long run, I was simply in awe of how God was moving in my life. In just a few short months, I had watched His power manifest through my physical self, transforming my mama-minister body into a healthier temple for Him to dwell. As I though about this, I was encouraged. Empowered. Motivated.
And inspired.
Since every mile I run is for Christ, the one who gave it all for our future in heaven, I “wrote” a Christian Runner’s Creed in my head.
And wanted to share it with you today… It will apply to you, whether you are a new runner, a professional legit runner, a person who dreams about running, someone who knows someone who runs or even if you have ever “run” to the store for a gallon of milk. #SeeWhatIDidThere?
So here it is.
A Christian Runner’s Creed
I am a Christian Runner.
I will never quit. I will encourage those around me. I will persevere. I will pray. I will push. I will see Victory in Him.
I will not compare myself to others. I am simply competing with my former self and the only opinion that matters is that of Christ.
I acknowledge that I have good days and not-so-good days. But all my days are God-days.
I am not defined by per mile pace or distance ran. I am defined by who I am in Christ.
I will celebrate every moment, every mile, every personal record because God is the one who has called me to it and has helped me do it.
I will be thankful for the ability to run, for this, in and of itself, is a blessing I refuse to take for granted.
I believe that God has equipped me for the race ahead and that no matter how or when I finish, if I run for Him, I win every time.
I will trust God to get me to the finish line… not just on race day, but on that day when my race on earth is over and I am welcomed to my Final Destination.
I don’t run for personal glory, race swag or the calories burned. I don’t run for bragging rights or bucket list accomplishments.
I run Soli Deo Gloria, to the Glory of God alone.
I am a Christian Runner.
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So my friends… What are your thoughts? I would love to hear your feedback (leave a comment here) and feel free to share this with anyone you think might be inspired or encouraged by it!
I am continually blown away by how God is working in my life in the area of physical fitness and developing me, (ME!?!) as a runner. I never, ever in my lift thought I would ever be able to say…
I am a Christian runner.
Running my Race for Him,
Linking up today with Jen over at Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood, Hazel via Tell Me a Story and Jennifer Dukes Lee over at #TellHisStory. Be sure to join our #EverydayJesus link-up community right here at 7 Days Time every Thursday!
