So, in
January 2013 I literally stepped out my door in faith, letting Him coach me day
by day, minute by minute. The first time I ever ran an entire mile without
stopping was in February. It was so hard but at the same time felt so good. A
few months later, in June, he helped me accomplish a dream of mine to run a
race with my husband. We finished together without walking at all! I thought I
was going to faint, but I finished.
After the
race my friends were asking me what my next goal were...a 10K...a half
marathon? I didn't know. I only had one goal really...to obey God and follow
His coaching. Running was still really hard for me. In the months that have
followed, there have been many ups and downs, partially because God's direction
has not always been clear and also because
my knees have been bothering me. I've not given it up completely though. Some weeks I only get a mile or two in,
others more, but never more than three at a time and mostly one or two.
Colorful shoes DO help! |
I often feel
embarrassed by what I do and my lack of progress...especially when my friends
and family are training for a marathon! I often feel like I should do more. In
that moment though when I saw that 100 milestone, it was if I felt, my God coach,
say He was so proud of me because I had continued and hadn't given up even
after I had reached my dream. He began to show me the reality that each little
choice to choose discipline had added up to be a miracle! It wasn't glamorous
but it was real and powerful and pleasing to Him. I never imagined I could run
100 miles, but somehow each choice to get my shoes on and dare to believe I
could run, one mile at a time, I did! HE
did through me! I may never run a marathon in one day, but I guess I ran a
total of four of them already this year. I'm learning the hard lesson, that man applauds speed and distance, but God
applauds perseverance.
The amazing reality
is that this is true in every area of my life. I always wish I could do more in
serving God, loving my family and reaching out to others, but this reminds me
that each little discipline I choose in that direction, will turn into a something
big if I DO NOT GIVE UP!!!! Now what
would be cool is if I had a Nike life app so I could see my spiritual and
relational mile stones, but I don't. I will just have to keep listening to my
coach even if I never get the applause of man or see big results. As long as I
make Him proud and finish the race He has set out for me, it's totally worth
it.
"No discipline seems pleasant at
the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of
righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11
Yay! Your first step toward writing a devotional!! :) I want to be the first to buy one if you ever do it. For now, this blog is great. First things first.
ReplyDeleteLove this. God does reward perseverance and obedience. He knows your heart and that's what counts! We were all MADE differently with different love and different strengths! :) Finish the race with what your heart chases after AND get HIS applause. (my own moto I wanted to share! xx) Keep up all your hard work...you look amazing!
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