Originally posted - April 2, 2008
"RUN YOUR RACE"
As I prepared to go on my scheduled run yesterday, I almost talked myself out of it because of the high winds and recent rain.... but then I got a burst of inspiration and decided to go against the odds because that’s the kinda guy I am... I love a good challenge... especially if it will make me stronger! I use my work-out time as a chance to claim victory over things, self-reflection, to memorize scripture, talk to God and enhance myself physically and spiritually. I didn’t want to miss out on that!
So I begin my 5K (3.1 miles) run against the head-on wind. (NOTE...we had a tornado touch down in my town that day...what an idiot!) I immediately began to get discouraged as I felt like I was pulling an extra hundred pounds of weight as the winds gusted at me! I started saying to myself, "there’s no way I will beat my last time in this wind" and "I’m not going to make it"......etc. I quickly realized my self-defeated attitude and was reminded of some things I’ve claimed a long time ago and continue to say in various ways kinda like this......
I will run my race regardless of what or whom may try to hold me down. If I fall, I will get back up. If I stumble, I will get back on track. If I’m not the best, I will continue to strive for perfection so that I’m not the worst. If I’m hurt, I will rehabilitate. I will NOT be a quitter. The classic...NO PAIN, NO GAIN! You get the idea!
These principles don’t just apply to running. What is your race? A job, a talent, a passion, a physical activity, a relationship with someone, an internal battle, exercise, spiritual warfare, your personal relationship with God........
Hebrews 12:1 ".....let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." (NIV) ....run with patience (KJV) ...run with endurance (NKJV)
Phillipians 4:13 "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me". Do you really believe this or are they just empty words that you quote? I believe!
How well are you running your race? How is your attitude? Are you conquering yourself with a self-fulfilling prophecy (a negative attitude) and claiming defeat before you even start? If you don’t like your results, change your attitude and you will respectively change your actions. Previous defeats can always be remedied by forward progress. Don’t live in the past.... Your past mistakes and defeats can be an asset if you use them to strengthen you for your future journey... otherwise they are dead weight!
Phillipians 3:13-14 "...But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
....just for the record.... I not only met my time goal in the run against the wind but I beat it! It’s amazing what an attitude adjustment can do! Even if I didn’t meet my goal, I can celebrate in the fact that I finished the race!
2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
Have faith that YOU CAN DO IT!!! If it cost you nothing......