Running reminds me of truth

I don’t run. I don’t like it or enjoy it. It’s hard and it hurts. However, over the past two weekends I’ve found myself at the start lines (and finish lines) of two 5K races. Call it positive peer pressure or the blessing of friends who push me into hard, get-better places, regardless, the act of running challenges me, teaches me and most importantly, reminds me of truth.

I wish you could hear the intense debate going on between my ears – from the, “I can totally do this!” which is quickly objected by the “Why (in the world) did I agree to do this?” For me, the greatest battle isn’t as much physical as it is a mental and even a spiritual one.

My mind constantly wants to walk or even stop altogether. My mind tells me that I can’t. My mind tells me that it’s too hard or it’s too far. Isn’t this conflict between self vs. growth some of the most intense, yet worthwhile battles one can endure? Truth be told, my typical self wants to remain in a state of comfort, pleasure or even joy. I prefer the easy over hard, the light over heavy, warmth over cold, glee over sadness…I could go on and on. Don’t you?

Contrary to what some may think, (you know, the mythical viewpoint that if you follow Christ, life is easy street? Yea, that one) Jesus promises that we will experience suffering in this life. John 16:33A states, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble.”

Jesus tells us that we will indeed have trouble. This comes at no surprise to anyone. Loss, pain & brokenness abound – the death of a loved ones & dear friends, the promise of new life only to end in a miscarriage, the battle of a terminal illness, the brokenness experienced by divorce, the confusion of job loss, promises unkept or the deep, dark and suffocating pit of depression.

It’s in these places, the suffering of this life, where God’s grace and almighty power are revealed. Continue reading John 16:33, Jesus says, “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” God, in His perfect and personal faithfulness, leaves us with this fact. This fully God and fully man experienced suffering in its full here on earth and overcame sin and death.

Suffering will indeed come, but God can give us grace and power to overcome every trial and to fulfill our purpose and mission in His Kingdom. “We are pressed down on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down but are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in Jesus’ death so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies (2 Cor. 4:8-10).” This good news, my friends, from the One who always keeps His promises, gives me hope.

So once this perilous race called life is complete, will I be able to say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. (2 Tim 4:7)?

Blessed are those who cling steadfast to Jesus’ promise and persist, even through life’s muck, to the ultimate finish line, where there is no suffering or pain. I need no peer pressure to sprint for that finish line!