Opinion
Running the race with Jesus
Regular columnist Ruth Lilley has been running a half marathon, but she did have some help…
The day had arrived, and I was ready to go! I had done all my training; made sure that my clothes and trainers were comfortable. The distance was measured correctly and lots of people had very kindly sponsored me. So, here I was, all prepared to run 13.1 miles. However, there was just one thing that I had not considered – it was still dark!
It is so often the way; I think that I have got it all covered and then there is just one thing that I have not thought about. With the half marathon, I had been focused on the end time and ensuring people knew what time I was finishing, that I had not really given much thought to the fact that it would still be dark when I started. Good job I had a torch on my phone!
As I began running, with my torch in hand, it reminded me how much I need God. In my strength, there will always be that ‘one thing’ – or often many ‘one thing’s’! Yet, with reliance on Him it becomes different. Here He was guiding me in the darkness and lighting up the way. God had it all covered.
I love that wherever we look, God is there. Even in the small details or the mundane activities and especially in the running.
‘And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.’ Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)
Each day, God gives me the opportunity to take part in the race. He has a unique route for me to take, whilst fixing my eyes on Jesus as my example. How amazing that as I take each step, He holds the grace to cover all the stumbles and trips that I make and all those times that I try to map out the route, He gently guides me back to walking in step with Him.
I believe it is so important to actively look for God. My relationship with Him is not passive; it is important that I do my part. The Bible tells me that as I seek God, He will be found. God is always with me although I need to draw close to Him.
As I ran, I believed I had done enough training to get me from start to finish. Although right from the start, I had to turn to God and ask that I would feel His Presence with me. I think it is beautiful that God even wants to run with me!
So, as I journey on, I will keep the picture of the Light on my path to remind me that I am never alone. I will do my best to remember that in my own strength, I am never fully prepared and instead it is best to turn and fix my eyes on Jesus, who enables me to take the next step.
Photo by Dulcey Lima on Unsplash
Ruth Lilley has recently returned to teaching at an infant school in Norwich. She also enjoys writing, and writes a regular blog called ‘With Every Sun Comes A New Day.’
The views carried here are those of the author, not of Network Norwich and Norfolk, and are intended to stimulate constructive debate between website users.