Run with Perseverance
I love to exercise. Within my neighborhood, there is a community trail
which on any given day you can find adults and children walking, running, and
riding bikes. The trail provides an
atmosphere of serenity and tranquility from the hustle and bustle of life. A peaceful view, occasional spectators, and a
place to reflect are all accessible on the trail.
One beautiful, sunny day as I was walking
and talking to God on the trail, He interrupted my conversation to give me a profound
revelation that I had to stop and record my thoughts. But before I share my revelation, I need to
give you some background information about how I run on the trail. As I exercise, I do something called intermit
running. Intermit running is when you
run for a certain period of time then walk for a short minute, but you run
again so that your heart rate goes up and down throughout your exercise routine. I learned that using this style of running
helps with fluctuating my metabolism instead of keeping it at a steady
pace. So, to do this I set markers as I
run by using trees, rocks, or bridges to gage how far I have run before I stop
to walk.
Now, on the trail there are three bridges
and the first bridge is about a quarter of a mile from the trail entrance and
each subsequent bridge is less than half a mile apart. As I run on the trail, I’m not able to see each
bridge just the path in front of me, so I use the trees and large rocks as
markers. While running my heart begins
to beat faster and faster, the panting of my breath gets stronger, and my legs
get tired. Exhaustion and fatigue
consume my body but as I set my thoughts to the marker I’m able to keep
pressing forward.
To distract myself from the feeling
of fatigue, I close my eyes for a moment gazing up at the sun and blue
sky. I enjoy my surroundings by waving
to the people, looking at the trees, and noticing the various animals and
insects. As I get closer to my marker, the
view of the trees begin to open and I hear the sound of running water. At last the bridge is in sight. Even though I am tired, I pick up the pace
and encourage myself “you can do it, you can reach your goal.”
So, what was my revelation? What did God teach me that day?
I learned that the method I was
using to meet my running goal did not differ from developing my spiritual
maturity. The goals I set to persevere
through each milestone of running can also support my Christian walk. When I spend intimate time with God praying
for guidance and direction, I must also “wait” on God to answer those
prayers. In my waiting, I must plan,
prepare and persevere. The marker of
life is establishing one goal at a time and seeking to accomplish it. Regardless of life’s test or trials, you must
persevere because through perseverance comes growth and development. We
have to continue to trust in God and remember past blessings to fuel us just as
when I’m running on the trail and fatigue sets in. Instead of anticipating the bridge, I set
small milestones with the trees and rocks.
With life we need to do the same thing, focus on what God has done and the
surrounding blessings to continue moving forward.
Our trials and test are not the time
to give in or turn around. We must stand
firm on God’s Word, remember the desires He placed in your heart (Psalm 37:4
NIV), and continue to praise Him by reading His Word and staying in His
presence.
Paul reminds us in scripture to run with
perseverance the race marked out for us (Hebrews 12: 1 NIV). This
means don’t back down or give up but keep pressing forward!
Do you know my friends if we don’t
endure the test, we won’t have a testimony! We can’t bring glory to God
and have success unless we choose to succeed!
As mortal beings, we can’t escape weariness or fatigue. We all become tired and weary, but with determination
and perseverance, we can get through the pain achieving our goals and maturing.
Along with exercising, I have come
to appreciate the results that benefit my health and well-being. My exercise regimen builds an obedient,
discipline character, which is also necessary for our spiritual maturity. The Bible tells us we must worship God in spirit
and truth (John 4: 24 NIV). Our
relationship is two-fold, the unseen experience with the presence of God and a tangible
experience with His Word, which are both necessary for inward results that
influence outward character.
So, as I mentioned before, I love to
exercise and I love running on the trail.
But, most importantly, I love when God interrupts what I perceive as
routine to give me spiritual wisdom. And,
spiritual wisdom will not only promote balance in your life but also help you
persevere.
Be blessed in the precious name of
Jesus Christ~ Amen
