Pressing On

Well, we made it 8 miles today. Finishing the race is our main goal, but it is fun to see what the time ends up being when we're done. Today we were able to do eight miles in 89 minutes.

While we were running we were discussing all that we have learned through this training. First off, God is good. He created our bodies and all that we are able to do. Secondly, our minds are a lot stronger than we ever give credit. Three years ago my dad used running to try and show me that my mind was stronger than I realized. He was successful in doing so and I've never forgotten that lesson. Third, friends are a must and help you keep going when you want to give up. And finally, when you push through pain and tension it eventually dissolves and you are strengthened. You will not get any stronger unless you push through it. Then, and only then, will you train your body and strengthen your muscles.

There have been many times where I've seen a parallel with our spiritual lives to running.

• God is good. He created us. He knows what we are capable of and never gives us more than we can handle... even when we think we can't make it one more step.
• One of the hardest battles in life is the mental battle we face... our minds are a lot stronger than we ever give credit - thank You, Lord Jesus.
• The Lord created us as relational beings and has blessed us with friends who provide encouragement when we desperately need it.
• And there will be tension applied to our spiritual lives, but when you hold on, trust Him, and push through those moments you will be strengthened and increase your faith. The enemy will tell you that what you believe is a lie and could not possibly be and you will feel incredibly vulnerable, but the Lord will bring you through it and you'll come out as a stronger individual.

So let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us... and press on to reach the end to receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Run in such a way that you may win.

(Heb 12:1, Phil 3:14, 1 Cor. 9:24)