“Running is addictive.” Several friends have uttered those words to me. I always smile and nod in agreement although I totally don’t get it. I love to run. I adore the cute shoes and sporty running outfits. I want to feel carefree trotting down the road with the wind blowing my hair. The 5K and marathon-themed races look so fun and exciting. Most of all, I crave the strength and endurance that encompasses running.
I tried sprinting with friends in the past; have even taken running classes. Now, my daughter has volunteered to be my running partner. We jog together on our road, and she is pushing me to increase my endurance and test my limits. My heart races and my breathing labors. I sweat profusely, and my leg muscles ache. Running is hard work; it does not come naturally to me at all. But I keep trying because I know eventually I will get the desired results.
My running career reminds me of a verse from Hebrews, Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. God tells us the race of life will not be easy. It involves strenuous work. There will be obstacles or sin that cause us to stumble along the way. But He also gives us encouragement to keep going with perseverance.
Keep focused on the task of doing God’s will as it is laid out before you. Be inspired to do your very best today in the race you are participating in. Maybe God is calling you to turn over sin in your life to Him. Let Him carry the burden so that excess weight doesn’t prohibit your performance.
For now, I’m running the race on my street and the race of life God has set before me. Both are difficult at times, but both are also greatly rewarding. I am still waiting for running to become an addiction.Who knows? Anything is possible with God.
(Photo courtesy of microsoft office.)
(For more devotions, visit us at www.christiandevotions,us.)
Beautiful devotion. Enjoyed reading very much.
I liked Race Runner very much as the words hit a tender spot in my life. Keep the powerful woords coming as the are wonderful in our troubled society.