Running the Race

Running is something that I've been doing pretty consistently for the past 8 years.
I love how I feel after a good run:
Refreshed 
Peaceful
Empowered

But I usually start out my run feeling a bit different:
Tired
Stressed
Weak

Notice how I don't go into the run all excited and giddy?
BUT, I finish the run that way!

This running analogy can be compared to our life in Christ.
After all, Paul did tell us to  "run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith." (Hebrews 12:1-2)

I think we automatically assume that if we are tired, stressed out and feeling weak that we should just take a nap and let life pass us by.
Or, we dull our senses a little bit with mindless activities that don't really get us anywhere but temporarily take us away from "reality". 

Yes, we do this. 
All of us do it at some point.
But to live like this consistently only causes us to stay stuck right where we are. 

What if we decided to do something different next time we get tired, stressed or weak?
What if we just took off running?
What if we " throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles" us and run with flailing arms into all that God has for us? (Hebrews  12:1)

I believe that getting up is the hardest part. 
Why?
Because falling down inevitably leaves it's mark on our lives.

But, once we get up...
there's no stopping us!

Do you know what the physical benefits to running are? 
1. Healthy body
2. Stress relief
3. ENERGY

Putting our bodies through temporary pain could actually bring relief from permanent pain. 

It's the same with our spiritual race, ladies.
We might start off feeling sluggish from all the things we're holding onto in this world that can weigh us down. 
We might be stressed because we have so many obligations to fulfill and people to please.
We might be too frail to stand up tall after falling down so many times in our lives.

But, if we take the first step.....God will empower us through the Holy Spirit to keep going, and going and going!

Each step you take is one step away from what you were and one step closer to what God has called you to be!

You are strong because He is in you.
You are full of peace because He is in you.
You can do all things through Christ! (Phil. 4:13)

So, run my dear friends.
Run like your life depends on it. 
Because, well, it does. :)