You might recall that 2014 is the Year of the Runner for this formerly anti-running chick.
I have learned that there are many, many lessons to be learned in this running journey– many of which relate directly to faith.
About a month ago, I was blessed to spend some quality time back home with my family in Kansas. Just because I was on “vacation” didn’t mean God released me to sit on my duff for those few weeks. Nope, I had to keep hitting the pavement… Er, I mean gravel.
It was the first time ever in my life doing some literal cross-country running on dusty (and sometimes muddy) roads. Miles and miles just me, God, and the sneaky rocks trying to trip me up.
Unlike “city” running where things are much more controlled (see also: easier) I discovered quite a few new challenges on my running adventures that I had previously (successfully) avoided. But when you are running in Kansas in the middle of summer, there is something about numerous hills, crazy headwinds, dust, mud and rocks to get you praying that much harder.
So today, I would like to share my top five country running faith lessons.
1. When you are running up yet another hill into 35 mph winds, don’t stop. Just pray a little (or a lot) harder and keep on going. It is inevitable that we will have to “run hills” at some point in our walk with Christ. Sometimes, those hills are going to happen at the worst possible time accompanied by crazy headwinds that make you want to stop all together. But instead of slowing to a walk or giving up, trust that God will get you to the top– and then some.
2. Watch out for snakes, cars, ankle-twisting rocks and fly-up-out-of-the-ditch-and-make-your-heart-nearly-stop wild turkeys. In my country running adventures, I actually jumped over a small snaked laying in the middle of the road. We sometimes have to do the same thing with Satan in our lives. Listening for blazing fast middle-of-the-road driving cars is also important as we follow Jesus, in addition to dodging obstacles like those sneaky rocks. Oh, and let’s not forget all of the wild animals aka “surprises” that jump up out of nowhere. Remember that nothing surprises God.
3. For every uphill, there is always a downhill. Don’t be afraid to work it and coast. You and Jesus worked hard to get up the hill together… now take a minute to catch your breath as you let gravity do some of the work.
4. Don’t let the mud weigh you down. The “mud” of life can stick to our shoes, feet, ankles, calves and after just a few steps make each stride feel like a thousand pounds. We can’t let it bring us down– because if we keep going, before we know it the mud has dropped away and we are back on track.
5. Celebrate every sweaty mile. It doesn’t matter how fast you did (or didn’t run) or how majestic or awkward you think you look. Living out our faith is HARD– so with each tiny victory, we can celebrate His faithfulness and love.
Drenched in sweat after an incredibly humid 10 mile run… and greeted by my tiny human.
For my running (and non-running) friends, what faith lessons would you add to the list? Where in life do you see these concepts coming to life in your own world? I would love to hear from you. Feel free to join the conversation and leave a comment.
I pray that you take these lessons to heart and allow them to encourage you as you keep on running with Christ.
Running for Him,
“…let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us…” ~Hebrews 12:1 NIV
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!
