I saw this tweet the other day
from one of my favorite Christian artists growing up. Although I do not agree
with the situation of his quote, there are a couple of parts that really got me
thinking. Kirk Franklin’s words read,
“No sprints, but marathons… However long the race takes… Running at your pace… That
won’t stop me from running.” If you know the situation and know the reasoning
behind this tweet I am not wanting to focus on that at all. My sole focus is on
this crazy race.
What does it truly mean to run
(with endurance) the race set before us (Hebrews
12:1)?
What does it truly mean when
it says that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize, So
run that you may obtain it (1 Corinthians
9:24)?
What does it truly mean to
press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14)?
This race is vigorous. This
race is extensive. This race is excruciating. This race discomforts.
The Bible is packed full of
illustrations, analogies, ect. Packed full of anything and everything that will
help us to see the truth clearly and be able to apply that truth specifically
to our lives. I absolutely love analogies and illustrations. To me it is like
bringing a story to life; basically bringing a book into movie form. I see
words written on a page. I memorize verses. I read the passages of scripture…
some over and over… But it is the illustrations of my own life… The
illustrations of others that make the words real. It is seeing God clearly in
this commonplace. It is finding strength in Him alone to finish this race. To
not only run (because everyone is running)… But to Win!!!
So… as I was thinking about the
words of Kirk Franklin, I began to
think about my own personal illustration/analogy. As many of you know, I
absolutely love going to the gym to work out. It is a stress reliever and it is
just something that I thoroughly enjoy. When I am there, I spend 40-60 minutes
just on the treadmill. That is a long time to watch and observe others. While
observing I came across a pretty great illustration for my life personally. One
that helps me focus and apply truth to my own race. I thought I would share it
with you today!
Every gym member at LA Fitness
is there to work out. Basically that means everyone there is running “a race”
so to speak. “The race” – Healthy living – Losing weight – Building muscle –
Toning muscle – Building endurance – ect. “The race” is set before every single
person that chooses to join LA Fitness or any other gym. The very minute the
commitment is made and the contract is signed; the gun fires and “the race”
begins… BUT do not think for a single second that “this race” (the workouts)
looks the same for everyone. Do not think for a single second that the game
plan to finish strong will be the same for every single person at the gym. No
way!!! It was never intended to be that way. It is not a one size fits all type
of deal (I always hated that saying).
The body builders have their
protein shakes, their muscle milk, their bulk and shred weeks, their leg, arm,
and back days, and they max out as much as possible. The yoga and Pilate go getters have their
mats, their complex stretches, their lean protein, their no sugar or carb
diets, and they try to tone as much as possible. The endurance runners/athletes
have their treadmills, their water (lots and lots of water), their new pair of
running shoes every couple of months, their bananas, their wild salmon, their
carbs, and they push their physical and mental frontiers every single time. Although
the goal may be similar in context the game plan and course of action is
without a doubt completely different. It would not be in the endurance
athlete’s best interest to get side tracked by the body builders. To look over
at them and start to doubt, question, and reconsider his game plan. It would
not be in his best interest to divert from his track and start focusing on
maxing out weights. His race, although the same in concept, is designed
specifically for him. His race and game plan is pure strategy that can boost
and generate the best endurance athlete only he can be; to produce an athlete
that not only runs but WINS!!!
I believe God specifically
designed our race. He strategically made a game plan that only we can run. He
already has our course set before us (Job
23:10). He already knows how many hills we will have to climb and how many
hurdles we will have to jump (Romans
5:2-5). And... Although it may seem like your neighbor’s race looks better
than yours. And… although you may get side tracked by another Christian’s game
plan. Please, I beg you, stay the course. Determine to yourself that you will
learn your specific way to grow. Set your plan for success with God’s help.
There is only one you!! There is only one way for you to win this race. Trust
Him. Trust His plan. Remember it is not a sprint. If all we heard or read about
the tortoise and the hare was the beginning; that they ran a race, we all would
have thought the hare won by a land slide. However, we have heard and read the
entire story; beginning, middle, and end. We know it is not about how fast you
start… it is about staying the course… it is about the finish line.
So… no matter your pace right
now. Just keep moving… Just keep growing… Just keep swimming!!!
The Race with Him is possible.
The race with Him is endurable. The race with Him is hopeful. The race with Him
is more than obtainable. So run it with Him; in His name… and WIN!!!!
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