#runforgod

[empressagnes]

As I read @ryanhall3 book #runinthemileyourein, I learned one strategy for taking on major challenges: borrow confidence from others. He described how he trained with better athletes at that time made him believe he could achieve what they achieved too.  However, the tricky part is to rejoice in their successes also. I think naturally we want to be first and don't like it when someone takes the spot that we work so hard for and thus "deserve". But know that performances do NOT determine who you are or what you're worth. I know from personal experience, this can be tricky. But then I remind myself that my goal shouldn't be to beat everyone else, but be the best version God created me to be. I've done races where I beat myself up for not pushing hard enough, or for not pr-ing or for not placing etc. After hours of complaints and regrets, I remember that my performance does not equal my purpose.  My purpose is to give Him the glory, in victories AND defeats. My purpose is to love NOT compete with others. My purpose is only in Him, not in me or others. 🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞 #runforJesus #runforgod #runwithpurpose #allglorytojesus #IamachildofGod #instarun #runnersofinsta #beatyesterday #bethebestversionofyou #racewithareason #bloggingforJesus #run #runner #running #blogging @jesuspostsbro @jesusblogdaily @kimonadaniel @instagodministries @insta_losangeles @instablog9ja @instaencouragements @insta_losangeles @instachristgirl (at Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/ByZS0B5HA7C/?igshid=1kld795p8rp8f

[empressagnes]

"You grow where you need to go. You don't start where you need to end."Christine Caine When you cross the #finishline (hallelujah 🙌🤣), you are not the same as when you cross the start line. Mentally and physically. During the #marathon you go through mental ups and downs as well as physical up and downhills. At mile 8, you probably feel so overwhelmed with joy and power but at mile 18 you feel overwhelming exhaustion and defeat. Regardless of how you feel physically and mentally, once you finish.. You are not the same.  This is like life. God often times allows us to go through valleys of discomfort and pain for us to grow. Imagine if the marathon was super easy, was only 10 miles and didn't require a lot of training and building up your stamina.. Would we grow as a runner and person? Not really.  God loves you and so He doesn't want you to be stuck in your comfort zone. He wants to transform you. He wants to fill you with His purpose. He desires you to be used for His kingdom. He didn't create us to merely exist. He created us to live. And to live with a purpose, passion and impact.  But we must be willing to show up at the starting line and have confidence that all the pain and discomfort will be nothing compared to the glory and joy of crossing that finish line.  🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄 #runforJesus #runforgod #runwithpurpose #allglorytojesus #bloggingforJesus #happyglobalrunningday #irun #run #runner #running #blog #instarunners @runforgod @jesuspostsbro @jesusblogdaily @jesus_newsfeed @instagodministries @insta_losangeles @instaencouragements @instarunners @christinecaine (at Woodland Hills, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/ByWidCOnAAY/?igshid=ir5n3g14fgu1

[empressagnes]

There are days when I look at the mirror and don't like what I see. Whether it's my short legs, forehead lines or comparing myself with other people's achievements that I'm not good enough. It's so easy to put our identity based on what other people say. It's so easy to measure our worth based on our own feelings. But that's not who we truly are. Only in your creator can your true worth be found. And who does He say you are? You are His perfect masterpiece. You are loved. You are worthy. You are accepted. You are wanted. You are daughters and sons of the King of Kings. You are royalty.  I refuse to be my biggest critic. As I embrace the masterpiece of my creator, I know that I'm uniquely made with full of purpose, beauty and significance. I silence the lies that tell me otherwise. I am perfectly imperfect. I am a limited edition. Appointed and qualified. Moved by the rhythm of grace. I choose freedom over fear. I am a woman of confidence in #Christ. This is who I am. Nothing to prove. I am enough. I am worthy. I am loved. I am. This is who you are. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 #runforgod #runforJesus #allglorytojesus #thisiswhoiam #childofgod #racewithareason #instarun #runnersofinsta #beatyesterday #run #runner #running #irun #blog #bloggingforjesus @runforgod @jesuspostsbro @jesusblogdaily @jesus_newsfeed @bloggingforjesus @instagodministries @instablog9ja @insta_losangeles @instaencouragements @instarunners (at Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/ByTQbkAnpwb/?igshid=jyhwj2ksjd6y

[empressagnes]

It's always an issue of the heart. I wonder how we react if someone in the same field who is less qualified than us but has more following, fame or impact, would we get envious? Would we still do what we do? I think this truly tests our hearts to why and who we're doing it for.  I have been and will still struggle with this issue, but God is teaching me day by day to humble myself. It's super easy to compare ourselves. It's super easy to crave man's applause. It's super easy to forget or disregard God for our triumphs.  We're all doing our passion for some purpose. The most important question is why and who we're doing it for. Is it for the money? Fame? Acceptance? None of these will last. None of this will leave a legacy.  In fact the Bible says in Matthew 6:2 that when we are recognized by the world for our deeds, we have received our reward in full. Meaning that we won't be receiving rewards in heaven for those deeds. I don't know about you, but I rather have rewards in heaven than on earth. Why? Because it's eternal. It'll last forever. Whereas nothing on this earth will. (Side note, watch the rope illustration by Francis Chan.. You'll know what I mean 😉)  I think what helps me to deal with envy and pride is to always check my heart by asking myself "Who's reward am I working for?" "Am I doing this to glorify me or to put the spotlight on #Jesus?" If it's truly to glorify God, then people's applause should be redirected back to Him. If it's truly for God, then other people's performance should not stir envy or pride. Because our hearts are only focused on pleasing Him rather than the world. Colossians 3:23 Work for a cause NOT applause.  Live life to express NOT to impress.  DON'T strive your presence to be noticed, just make your absence felt. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 #runforgod #runforJesus #racewithareason #allglorytojesus #purpose #passion #irun #run #runner #running #blog #bloggingforJesus #instarun #runnersofinsta @jesuspostsbro @jesusblogdaily @instagodministries @insta_losangeles @instablog9ja @instarunners @jesus_newsfeed @runforgod @racewithreason (at Winnetka, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/ByG_PkWHvDc/?igshid=1k2webwsd7byt

[empressagnes]

The first step is always the hardest. I've read that people who are trying #running for the first time give up after 1 or 2 miles and so they'll never feel the famous "runner's high". For me this happens after the 3 mile mark. Don't give up! Push through the discomfort, because that high and adrenaline will surpass your pain. This reminds me of my story couple months ago. I got tired of my routine. Wake up, run, go to work, go home, eat, sleep and..repeat. Surely there's more to life than this? Surely God created me for more? I cried out to #Jesus for a change that will replace the emptiness and mundane into fulfillment. And He answered. One day, a massage therapist came into my old job and we started talking about Jesus and he told me about AIA, which is athletes in action. I looked it up and this is exactly what my heart was longing for. Combining my passion with my purpose to share Jesus through sports. However this would be a huge change, as I would have to raise support and I would have to let go of the comfort zone of having a guaranteed, consistent income. But I know that where God leads, He will provide. So I quit my corporate job and will be training with AIA next week. I don't know the outcome. This is still a blurry field for me, but I trust His plan and He did open a lot of amazing doors for me already. He's always faithful, so I know that He'll continue to guide me, strengthen me and provide for me. I'm excited to embark through this new, unfamiliar journey and see God's power shine through my deficiencies. I guess what I'm saying is..trust Him and take that first step. Even when you don't know the outcome. Even when you'll make mistakes. Even though you don't have a step by step plan. Even though your life is a busy chaos right now. Throughout the difficulties and unfamiliarities, He'll guide you and you'll see that His plans will always bring joy, impact and fulfillment. 🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄 #runforjesus #runforgod #allforhisglory #instarun #irun #run #runner #racewithareason #takealeapoffaith #blog #blogger @runforgod @jesuspostsbro @jesusfeed @jesuscentric @instagodministries @instarunners @insta_losangeles @instablog9ja (at Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/ByCRZngnkML/?igshid=uf9vz291auv9

[empressagnes]

I remember when I signed up for my first #marathon..I was so scared and to be honest I wasn't sure if I could finish it. But if I never jumped out of my comfort zone and if I would have never taken the first step, I would have never discovered that I was capable of something more. Sometimes we want things to be perfectly lined up before we pursue something. Often times we feel inadequate. Too many times, we feel we're too busy with our chores. But #Jesus tells us "Just go. I will make up the difference."Jesus is not looking for the smartest, prettiest, fastest, wealthiest.. He is not impressed by your qualities.. Proud..but not impressed. There's nothing you could ever do to make Him love you more. He doesn't choose the most qualified, He chooses the most willing and available. I love the story of Gideon. He defeated 120,000 mideanite soldiers with only 300 people. Did God say "Hey Gideon, I want you to go to army school for 2 years first." No. Did God choose the strongest soldiers? No, they were just regular volunteers. Was Gideon the strongest, bravest man for this? No, he had doubt that he was the right person to do it because he felt that he was the least of his family (Judges 6:15) and he asked God for confirmation a couple of times. If He chooses you for a task, there are no excuses that will disqualify you. Don't feel skilled enough? Don't have the money? Feel too messed up? Too busy? Nothing, nada, zip, zero could ever take you away from His purpose. However YOU need to take the first step in faith. God can't direct a parked car. Don't overthink it. Don't doubt. Just have faith and do it. Once you take the first step, everything else you need will follow. 🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘 #runforjesus #runforgod #allforhisglory #runwithpurpose #nevergiveup #running #run #runner #instarun #irun @runforgod @pursuingjesusdaily @jesusfeed @jesuscentric @jesuspostsbro @instagodministries @instarunners @insta_losangeles @lafitness @lafitness_balboa (at LA Fitness- NORTHRIDGE- BALBOA BLVD) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxyOEQcHCxu/?igshid=154z409gv0xck

[empressagnes]

I remember when I signed up for my first #marathon..I was so scared and to be honest I wasn't sure if I could finish it. But if I never jumped out of my comfort zone and if I would have never taken the first step, I would have never discovered that I was capable of something more. Sometimes we want things to be perfectly lined up before we pursue something. Often times we feel inadequate. Too many times, we feel we're too busy with our chores. But #Jesus tells us "Just go. I will make up the difference."Jesus is not looking for the smartest, prettiest, fastest, wealthiest.. He is not impressed by your qualities.. Proud..but not impressed. There's nothing you could ever do to make Him love you more. He doesn't choose the most qualified, He chooses the most willing and available. I love the story of Gideon. He defeated 120,000 mideanite soldiers with only 300 people. Did God say "Hey Gideon, I want you to go to army school for 2 years first." No. Did God choose the strongest soldiers? No, they were just regular volunteers. Was Gideon the strongest, bravest man for this? No, he had doubt that he was the right person to do it because he felt that he was the least of his family (Judges 6:15) and he asked God for confirmation a couple of times. If He chooses you for a task, there are no excuses that will disqualify you. Don't feel skilled enough? Don't have the money? Feel too messed up? Too busy? Nothing, nada, zip, zero could ever take you away from His purpose. However YOU need to take the first step in faith. God can't direct a parked car. Don't overthink it. Don't doubt. Just have faith and do it. Once you take the first step, everything else you need will follow. 🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘 #runforjesus #runforgod #allforhisglory #runwithpurpose #nevergiveup #running #run #runner #instarun #irun @runforgod @pursuingjesusdaily @jesusfeed @jesuscentric @jesuspostsbro @instagodministries @instaencouragements @instarunners @insta_losangeles @lafitness_balboa @lafitness (at LA Fitness- NORTHRIDGE- BALBOA BLVD) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxyN0t1HpZP/?igshid=tzj9olsqpnyv

[empressagnes]

I've always wondered what my calling and purpose was. After years of discovering, I fell in love with #running. But then I thought, well.. What can I do with that? It ain't going to make as much difference as someone who built a non profit feeding the children or a pastor or a worship singer or.. Or.. Or... But I was so wrong! In EVERY talent, there is a purpose. You might not save millions of people or whales, but everything you do with your talent for Him makes a difference.. A difference for Him. Once I switched my perspective towards serving Him and not counting or measuring how much I've done, I've found joy and peace. Once I trusted Him more and once my heart changed to want to do it only for His Glory, more doors opened up to share and improve my talent and passion.  Because He created you, only He knows what you are made for. Only He knows your true potential. He knows you better than you know yourself. So reach out to Him and you'll find the answer. God can use anybody. David a young boy defeated a giant Goliath with only slings and stones. Debra was the only woman judge (at that time women couldn't even speak up). Moses was 80 years old when he rescued the Israelites from slavery. Now what's your excuse again?  Give it to God and He'll multiply. Gideon defeated the midianites with only 300 men. Jesus feed 5,000 people with only 5 breads and 2 fishes. He's the source of everything. John 15:5 "If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." I was never athletic, let alone a #runner. I hated sports and sucked at it. But only because I trust and surrender it all to Him, I've accomplished things that I've never imagined possible doing. A little is much when we give it to #Jesus. His power is so so powerful.. Gazillion times stronger than all of us combined. So why rely on your limited strength when you can rely on His unlimited power? 🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎 #runforjesus #runforgod #allforhisglory #instarun #irun #run #blog #blogging @jesuspostsbro @jesusfeed @jesuscentric @instagodministries @instarunners @insta_losangeles @instaencouragements @racewithreason @runforgod (at Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxsodCAnsb7/?igshid=15h1t5r0ul0vu