“Everyone who competes in the
games goes into strict training. They do
it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will
last forever” (I Corinthians 9:24).
Lately I have been reminded of
the fact that I can’t run – or even walk well.
I have seen countless cars with stickers for running half or full
marathons. Two of my daughters ran in a
mud run. And our area is again hosting
the Marine Corps Half Marathon race.
Years ago I exercised faithfully
and enjoyed staying in shape. Giving
that up due to back pain was very difficult, and at times like these I still
struggle with that loss.
As I noticed yet another marathon
sticker, I realized that those of us with health problems run a race with pain every
day. Serious runners are in continual
training mode and so are we. This may
involve our diets (because we can’t eat certain foods), our sleep (or lack of
it), and our activities. We are continually
adjusting and reworking our lives to accommodate our limitations. We live and breathe our training.
All of this is quite
exhausting. Yet at the end of each day,
God enables us to win our race. On less
painful days the race may seem like a stroll through the park. Other days it may be a marathon. We may run this race on foot, with a cane, in
a wheelchair, or in bed. But whether we
end the day standing up straight in victory or unable to stand at all, we have
won.
I don’t need to envy any
runners. I am one. One day I will be able to run a literal
marathon and perhaps I will. But somehow
I don’t think that satisfaction will compare to the knowledge that right now I
am persevering with God through my race of pain. I want to keep running, regardless of how
exhausted I am, until I run right up to God’s finish line and get that crown of
life. And because of His mercy and
strength, I will.
Prayer:
Lord, you have chosen me to run in this race of pain. Continue to give me the endurance and
perseverance I need to run this race to the end, and to do it for Your
glory. Amen.
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