Saturday, January 8, 2011

Never Alone Amid the Toil of Running

While analyzing myself, I come to realize that I am afraid of failure.  I strive to do well in school and also in my running.  Unfortunately, this fear has kept me from even starting any kind of serious training in the past couple years.  I might run here and there, but I have not consistently trained in about 3 years.  I easily find myself bored and I talk myself out of continuing for concern that I will not be able to go the distance.
What I need to remember is that I am never alone in my pursuits.  Every time I lace up my running shoes and head out the door, I need to remember that God is right there with me and I do not need to fear failure. He will help me slog through the end of any run if only I give Him the chance to help.  In Joshua 1:9, it says "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."  I admit that I struggle to remember this fact, but I must pray constantly in order to remind myself that even though I am physically alone on a run, I am not spiritually alone.  God is with me every step of the way and I can use my runs to get closer to Him.
Deep in my heart, I believe it is Satan who prevents me from trying to go out and accomplish my goals on the roads and trails.  Satan hopes to turn me away from God by belittling my self-confidence so that I don't even give running a sound attempt, let alone a relationship with God.  Because of this conclusion, I must pray more fervently and delve into the Word in order to combat the weaknesses Satan attacks me with in order to truly enjoy the peace of a lengthy run.  I must have courage and remember that God will never leave my side.

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