Scripture reveals that our journey with Christ is like a race we run. Clearly, our Christian faith and our relationship with Christ cannot be a hobby, we must train every day and run with endurance. I want to encourage you with a few tips on how to successfully run with Christ and live out your faith today, tomorrow and for the years to come. How you, too, can “run and not be weary, walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
1. Focus on the race in front of you.
Runners do not line up at the starting line adorned with numerous medals from previous races. How absurd to see a competitive athlete weighed down with trophies and bragging about past accolades. Our past successes don’t define our current realities. In our walks with Christ, we are to, “lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1-2) Thus, our past sins, failures, and even our past successes help us learn and grow, but each day requires us to be focused on the Lord and finding strength from constant abiding. “One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14)”.
2. The power of community for endurance.
An African proverb reads, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” I love watching the Tour de France and how the peloton forms to enable riders to work together to conserve energy and create a speed bubble to effectively chase down breakaway riders. The sprinters can get out fast, but they are eventually caught by the sheer power and speed of the peloton. We can go farther when we are surrounded by like-minded people on the journey, bearing one another’s burdens and serving one another. (1 Corinthians 12:25, Galatians 6:2, Acts 4:32)
3. The power of community for encouragement.
Similarly, runners often perform personal bests while running in organized road races because the crowds lining the course cheer them on to keep going when they feel tired. Streets lined with bands, cheering, and refreshment all provide an atmosphere of excitement that push runners towards the finish line.
God has created us for community. As a body of believers, we have the gifts to encourage and support one another on long runs. Don’t go it alone. Find a community of faith to be your running buddies and your cheering section. (1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 10:24-24,)
4. Run in community to serve others.
During the 2018 Boston Marathon Shalane Flanagan was the American favorite to contend for the victory. However, in the middle of the race she suddenly halted her race to visit the porta-potty! Des Linden, a fellow runner, slowed her pace to assist Shalane to get back to the main pack by running together. Des Linden, who at the time was contemplating dropping out of the race, decided to help a friend and actually caught a second wind. Des pushed on to become the first American woman in 33 years to win the Boston Marathon!
Let us not become narrow-sighted and think our race is always about us. Paul makes it clear that we, “should look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4). Jesus said it this way, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35) As we live out of faith, we should always be seeking opportunities to humbly serve others with the love of Christ.
5. Run with the Ultimate Running Partner.
Running with an experienced runner or coach is guaranteed to make you a better runner, if you are willing to learn. They can coach your stride, give you pointers in posture, and set you up with a training plan. Let us not forget that in our daily Christian walk we have the ultimate training partner with us – Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said, “…learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart… For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:30). Jesus is right there with you each step of the way, carrying the weight and calling you onwards with Him.
Gray (Platoon 24) is a dedicated husband to Brandy (Platoon 21) and father to five kids. They serve as missionaries having served in Slovakia and most recently in South Asia for over 9 years. They are currently based in Richmond, Virginia until they can move to Europe where they are dedicated to sharing the Good News and using fitness as a tool to share the love of Jesus to the ends of the earth.
Thank you for reading the Revelation Wellness Blog! This month, we’re focusing on running the race God has called us to. Join us on our Official Revelation Wellness Community Facebook page for monthly encouragement and support.
Refresh your marriage!
Reconnect is designed to refresh your marriage, give you tools, hope, and a renewed sense of love for each other. Come as you are and plan to get the time, space, and rest your marriage needs.
2 Responses
Is there a Revelation Wellness running trainer in Lakewood, CA. I would sign up right away. I love triathlons but I’m a terrible runner.
Hey Carol! We do have some instructors in California. Check the listing here to see if there is one near you! https://www.revelationwellness.org/class/?filter=state&filter_value=California