Tomorrow is the BIG day. I’m running my very first 5K! (That is 3.1 miles for those of you who don’t know.... I had no idea when I signed up.) I am somewhere between excited and nervous mixed up in one big ball. I have a million questions running (no pun intended) through my mind.
“What if I didn't train well enough?”
“What if I can’t run the whole race?”
“What if I come in last?”
“What if everyone laughs at me?”
These questions are just a few that I have chosen to share. My fears and worries are very prevalent in my mind as I try to mentally prepare for tomorrow. In the long run (I promise I’m not doing this on purpose.) I know that I will probably do just fine and that I won’t get laughed at. My main concern is that I just do my best. I want to be the BEST I can be.Â
In order to be the best I can be for the 5K I have had to train and work to eventually cross that finish line. The same is said in our Christian walks. In order to be the best we can be for Christ we have to train and work hard on a daily basis to one day cross the finish line into Heaven.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
(1 Corinthians 9:24-27 ESV)
Here are some ways we can prepare for and run the race.
Study the Word of God:
In order for us to be prepared we must study the word of God. We have to have an understanding of the things we are to do in order to run the race correctly. A runner doesn't go into a race unprepared. A runner knows technique and form. A runner knows how to equip themselves to run the race the best they can. The bible is our guide book. It will equip us with all we need to cross that finish line.
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.Â
(2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV)
Pray:
Prayer is another great way for us to be prepared. When running the race it is easier if we have someone to help us along. I’m running the race tomorrow with a co-worker. It has been great because I can talk to her about what’s going on, how I’m progressing, my concerns, and ask her for help. The same is said with prayer. Prayer is our avenue to talk with the father. Prayers lets us tell Him what is going on with us, to ask Him for help, and to thank Him for all He has done. (Of course He already knows what is going on but what kind of parent doesn't want their child to talk to them?) Prayer keeps us close with God and helps us inch closer to that finish line.
pray without ceasing,
(1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV)
Stay the Course:
This is an important point. When running a race you have to stay on course, if you deviate from the course there is no telling where you will end up. This is true in our Christian walk. If you veer off course you could end up in the arms of Satan. Don’t let the things of the world distract you from the end goal. Today I was trying to figure out the course I will be running tomorrow and I almost had a mini panic attack because I wasn't sure. I then realized there will be guide lines there and as long as I follow those I will end up at the finish line. If you stay the course and walk with God you will end up at the finish line of Heaven.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
(Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV)
Don’t Give Up:
Back when I decided to do the 5K, I had warts (Ewww I know gross) on the bottom of my feet. I didn't realize what an obstacle they would be for me and my training. I finally got them removed and that was just last month. I didn't think I was going to be able to train and run this 5K, but I decided to not give up. I decided that even though everything seemed to be against me that I would give it my all. We must do the same when walking with God. We can’t give up at every bump in the road. We can’t lose faith in God that He will help us cross the finish line. You just have to be willing to work hard and not give up. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.Â
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14 ESV)
As I prepare myself for tomorrow, I am forgetting all my worries and fears and just following the path, pressing on towards the finish line. I hope and pray that you will press on and not give up in your Christian walk. It will be hard, but all things are possible with God.Â
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
(Philippians 4:13 ESV)
