Run, Don’t Walk Part II

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps (Proverbs 16:9, NLT).

Last week I shared my goal of running a 5k in 30 minutes. I mapped out the exact route, and took off. If you’ve paid any attention to the topography of Kentucky, you know hills are part of the beauty of our state. That, however, does present a challenge when it comes to running.

I was about a third of the way into my jog when I headed uphill, out of a neighborhood cul de sac, and my lungs were feeling the stress of the incline. As the pavement leveled out, I settled into a more normal breathing pattern and continued on.

Upon exiting the neighborhood, I decided to change my route. This last minute change was part of my plan to avoid a hillier portion of the run, and I thought I was doing myself a favor. But God. I was in for quite the surprise later in the run.

Life is often a lot like my run that morning. We map things out, and make a plan. We move forward with those plans, try to predict what’s ahead, and adjust according to what we think is best. It is only then are we reminded of the truth from Proverbs 16:9, which says “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.”

My decision to change the route actually backfired. As I reached the point on the path where I needed to turn around, I immediately realized two things: I would be jogging uphill and into the wind to finish my race.

When I tell you all that I wanted to quit with about .8 miles left and finish by walking, I mean that whole-heartedly. I know we’re not talking about marathon distances, but my body was trying to convince me that giving up was an option. The Holy Spirit prompted me to keep pushing.

Life is hard, and we will sometimes find ourselves running uphill into the wind, with our tank sputtering, and trying to figure out how we can keep going.

If you’re angry at God, that’s okay. Take it to Him and keep going. If you’re exhausted, that’s okay. Take it to Him and keep going. If you’re feeling hopeless, that’s okay. Take it to Him and keep going.

As I pushed forward on that last leg of finishing the 5k, I felt the Lord inspire my Spirit to keep challenging myself in ways that require me to lean on Him. I finished the 3.1 miles by jogging uphill and into the wind, and I clocked my time at 30:24.

I missed my goal by 24 seconds, but guess what? The victory was never meant to be linked to the task, but rather to the Holy Spirit who gives us the strength to run, not walk, toward the prize of salvation that comes from knowing Christ as our Lord and Savior.

Whatever you are going through today, be encouraged. Keep going, and trust the Lord is determining every single step.

#path #trust #christ #run #walk #thenarrowpath #obedience #discipline #jesus