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Sometimes I feel like I’m running a marathon (figuratively, not literally, because this girl don’t 🏃🏻♀️). 😉 On a spiritual level, my heart is pounding, my lungs are burning, and my feet are dragging.
In a way I am running a marathon, because a relationship with God and life in general is not a sprint. It is a day after day, mile after mile long haul. It can wear on the spirit and make me feel like I’ll never “arrive”. The reality is that I won’t. Not until that beautiful day I get to see Jesus face to face. And because it’s a marathon it’s critical that much like a marathon runner might take water steps, I need to pause and receive refreshing from Him. That’s what self care should actually be about, a chance to refresh and get back to the race as opposed to a time to get comfy and settled.
“but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life."”
John 4:14
Some great news about our race is that we aren't doing it alone. We are surrounded by everyone who has gone before us - the hall of fame of faith. Joseph and Abraham, Paul and David, and millions more. When I begin to feel like I’m not “seen” and that my struggles aren’t understood I just need to remember that crowd that has Jesus standing at the front of it. They are standing around us cheering us on as we are running our race. They are our base coaches, encouraging to make it home.
When I’m feeling the drag, it's typically because there are things wrapping themselves around my ankles and dragging me down. We can't run with dead weight. I need to ask myself, what do I need to confess and hand over to God? What haven’t I submitted to Him? What am I trying to carry into my future that is trying to hold me in my past? Bringing these things to Him will immediately decrease the drag I’m feeling.
Finally, where is my focus? Is it on the true goal which is running to Christ? He is the prize. And He has run this race. He started and perfected this faith walk. When we turn our eyes upon Him the grind of the race will fade away.
Friend, you were meant to win this race! And as you run, all of Heaven and your Christian family (including me!) here on earth is cheering you along, every step of the way.
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