When God Says Run (#EverydayJesus link up)

Welcome to another week of our Everyday Jesus link-up. Be sure to link-up below this post, comment on your neighbor’s blog and share with your friends… Because Jesus is everywhere, every day!

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I have learned that when God speaks, I better listen.

This year he spoke to me and I perked up… Then quickly deflated at what I thought He said.

“Um, hey there God… Can you repeat that? I think we have a bad connection because I just thought I heard you tell me to become a runner… And something about running a half-marathon? Come again, please.”

Fortunately/Unfortunately, His message to me was clear as a bell. So after I stopped hyperventilating and psyching myself out, I thought I should probably get to work.

After all, these mama ministry legs apparently weren’t going to run themselves. (And believe me, there were a few days I hoped they would.)

Starting in January, I began a new chapter of my fitness journey– to become a “legit” runner for the glory of God. It’s all for Him, because trust me– there is no way on God’s green earth you could have paid, bribed or threatened me to run 13.1 miles like EVER.

Over the last six months, I have watched my One Word for 2014, Grow, come alive right before my eyes as I have found Jesus in my everyday.

Nearly everyday since January, I have prayed to Jesus for strength, perseverance, calmness of heart (and mind) and unending hope that this absolutely-insane-out-of-my-reach-goal might come to fruition with God’s help.

I have found Jesus in my everyday as I chose what to eat (and what not to eat,) how far to run (or not to run), when to work out (or when not to work out.)

It has been a long, intense, but Christ-filled process.

And friends… I did it. Or maybe I should rephrase that: JESUS did it.

Just last Sunday, I made it “official” by running a half-marathon in Vancouver, WA.

Me. Formerly way-unhealthy-overweight-girl who a few years ago couldn’t run a quarter-mile to save her life.

And even more than that… Jesus rocked my socks off in the process. (Not literally. Because keeping high quality socks on one’s feet are very important to long distance runners.)

First of all, I actually felt GOOD during the entirety of my run. Like not exhausted, angry or discouraged that I was only at mile (insert not a number yet 13.1 here.) I felt good. And could hardly believe it.

Also, I ran well… and by well, I mean faster than EVER before. I literally took 50 (FIFTY!) seconds off my minute per mile pace when compared to the practice run I did a few weeks ago. Which meant I took 10 minutes off my previous time, clocking in at 11:02 per mile time and finishing the 13.1 mile stretch in 2:25:46.

I passed my dream goal pace group around mile 7 and kept asking God if running between 10:45 and 11 minute miles was a good idea or if I was going to die later.

But He said keep going. So I did.

The hardest point was the hill at mile 11 to 12. (Side note: I think it should be illegal to put any sort of incline in the last 3 miles of a long distance race.) I felt like I was running through peanut butter, but this only made me pray (ok beg) God to help me the final stretch.

And He did. Jesus showed up in my everyday, right there on the streets of Vancouver, WA.

Mind blown, my friends.

I was so moved by the experience, I could feel God’s presence with me the entire time– especially when I prayed for Him to stop the rain, keep my stomach from rebelling and tell the mini calf cramp to simmer down.

Oh. And did I mention I had the opportunity to witness a little bit to a gal standing beside me at the starting line?

I am still reeling from what God is accomplishing in my life this year, especially in this area of fitness. Just thinking about this journey brings me to my knees… and makes me want to keep looking for Him in my everyday.

What incredible things have you seen God do in your life as you have found Jesus in the everyday? What do you think He might be calling you to do through trusting Him in the future? I would love to encourage you– please leave a comment.

Press on, friends. Remember that God is one you can trust. Be faithful to what He is calling you to do, no matter how daunting it might seem. Be obedient.

When he says jump, ask how high. And when God tells you to run… Ask how far.

You might be surprised at what He can do through you.

Running in His Name,