(Photography by Joyful Image Photography-Tiffany Woelber)

Are you the type of person that loves to run? Do you join races in your community or travel to marathons? I respect the dedication of runners, but I am not a runner! I like to walk and sometimes jog, but running is definitely NOT a passion for me. However, my oldest daughter has loved running since she was young. When my husband and I would go on walks when she was little, she would run ahead of us with her long, blonde hair flying behind her. She has continued to enjoy running and enters long races(even with a jogging stroller!). Even though I am not a runner, there are things that I know about disciplined running. Runners train, focus, build muscle, get rid of extra weight and distractions, and they trust the coach. People who run need endurance and they aren’t halfhearted. They don’t spend a lot of time running around frantically using up their strength on other pursuits. They don’t indulge their flesh, they master it!
In 1 Cor.9:24-27, Paul tells us the Christian life is a race. To enter the race, first we must know the Master of Ceremonies, we must come to God through Jesus Christ the Son John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father, except through Me.” NKJV Then, the race begins! We must train. Training takes effort, it involves pain, sacrifice, long hours. Our Coach may allow us to go through some things to build spiritual muscle, but He has our best in mind. An athlete expects that & trusts the coach to know more than he does. But there is reward! We begin to see progress…we get stronger and can run longer and faster! Our training involves getting to know God better and listening for His voice. It’s important to read His Word, pray, fast, worship, and fellowship with other believers. This all has to be based in RELATIONSHIP, not religion. God has always wanted relationship with us and the deeper we go in that the more joy there is!

Next, we must not lose focus. A runner has a goal and disciplines mind and body to achieve that goal. In this race there can be many distractions and we have an enemy who is always waiting to trip us up! We need to be alert to the terrain and the dangers. Just as a runner would study the course, so we need to be aware of the pitfalls and traps laid for us. We don’t want to use up valuable time and energy on trivial pursuits. Going down the rabbit trail towards the temporary, material things of this life leads to a dead end. God offers so much more! He has lasting peace, joy, and contentment waiting at the finish line. The best part is anyone who enters this race can win! You just have to finish. Instead of competing, we run together! If someone falls, we help them up. We offer encouragement and strength to each other. We might even carry them for a while!
A runner needs sports drinks and protein, etc. to give them energy. We have the empowerment of the Holy Spirit! He is our “second Wind” and Breath of Life! Isaiah 40:31 says “But they that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength.They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint.” NKJV
So, run with joy and encourage your fellow runners!

Need some inspiration to exercise? Grab your dog and go for a walk! Put some exercise DVD’s on. Spring is on the way, gardening is a great way to get in shape!
Book ideas for “spiritual exercise”: “Unstoppable” by Christine Caine. Go on a prayer walk or run and pray for your neighbors! Watch the amazing things God will do in response to your acts of faith.