The Race of a Lifetime ~ Part 2

Krista L. Allison

Dec 9, 20195 min read

Updated: Feb 13, 2020

December 9, 2019

Good Morning Princesses!

The Race of a Lifetime ~ Part 2

The Patriarchs

1. Quick Race Recap

Last week we discussed gearing up for our "race of a lifetime". We looked at a few terms or bookends to set the running landscape; duration and endurance. For this week we will take a closer look at "duration" and a few running tips.

2. Training Bookend ~ Duration

duration ~ (noun) the time during which something continues.

To get prepared to run a marathon (or for that matter, any race) the runner must have a training regime (eating, practicing, weights/stretches, rest, recovery). A part of the regime there is also a consistent practice schedule that builds endurance by increasing the duration of running. In other words, start slow and build up the running distance or length of time.

I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. ~ John 17:14

According to a March 13, 2013, Runner's World article entitled "11 Tips for Newbie Runners" by Megan Hetzel, eleven tips were harnessed from over 2000 responses and various Runners World articles. As I reviewed the eleven tips, I noticed a certain symmetry with God's call to action for Christians in running our race and how best to prepare for being in this world, but not of this world. Let's take a look at the 11 Tips.

1. Invest in the right pair of running shoes.

Ephesians 6:15 tells us that we must put on our Father's best armor each day. Shoes are a necessity in running our race of a lifetime.

"and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace."

2. Go for distance rather than time - slow it down, be patient, and don't worry about your pace.

Endurance is key. We learned last week in Hebrews12:1-2 three action steps for endurance: be encouraged by the large crowd of witnesses surrounding us (Great Hall of Faith), lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and keep your eyes focused on Jesus the source and perfector of our faith.

3. Remember that rest days are training days, too.

In the story of the creation, we know that our God in Genesis 2:2-3 rested on the seventh day. He finished His work, blessed the seventh day and made it holy:

By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.

We also know that whether in rest or running, the first book of Samuel tells us to "be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you." 1 Samuel 12:24

4. Join a running group.

Ephesians 6:24 speaks to the principle of grace. "Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible."

Romans 10:9 tells us that "...if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

Act 11:26 ~ For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. (Philippians 3:17)

5. Make running a habit, even if that means getting out for a few minutes per day.

According to Psalm 23:6, "goodness and mercy follows us all the days of our life." But there's this thing called "grace". In our Western Christian theology, grace is "the love and mercy given to us by God because God desires us to have it, not necessarily because of anything we have done to earn it".

6. Build mileage gradually.

Grace has been defined as movement, a period of time, protection or approval and thankfulness by the Cambridge Dictionary. That stated, Ephesians 6:24 reminds us that "Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible." With each movement and endurance, God's grace gives us the gentle pushes of protection and approval we need to keep running.

7. Don't dread taking walk breaks.

Romans 6:9-10 is an excellent reminder that we must continue to press forward.

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."

8. Keep a training log.

Similar to #2 above, stay focused! (Hebrews 12:1-2). Also, remember that perseverance is key. As found in Ephesians 6:18, "To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints".

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3: 1-3)

9. Mix in cross-training to supplement your running.

As Christians we are on assignment, to go! Simply put, we are charged to "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

10. Set small, achievable goals.

Rather than making plans without consulting God, know that He is the author of all of our achievable plans. Proverbs 19:21 advises that "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails." So in setting your goals, consult with God first!

11. Remember that you are a runner.

The Bible has countless examples of individuals that "went". For these individuals, running was the option. Similar to our heroes in the Hall of Faith, our race requires both endurance and duration. Trusting that through the Holy Spirit we have all we need, we must dear princesses continue running; to reach the promised prize ~ heaven. Don't stop, keep going, and keep your eyes focused on Jesus!

the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121:8

Advent Week 2 ~ PEACE

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

Oh, princesses of faith...remember

Prayer “empowers and ‘charges up’ every other piece so they can be used effectively against the enemy. Without prayer… your armor, cannot, will not, be infused with the power that only God’s-Spirit can give."

Closing Thoughts