I’ve taken up with a new friend, Running. It’s a new friendship. She and I haven’t always gotten along. In fact, just last year I found myself cursing her after a terrible hip injury. Yep. That’s Running for you; friend one minute, nemesis the next.
As I left the house on Saturday morning, prepared to conquer the world in the next 31 minutes, I realized maybe she is not my friend at all. Two times I questioned our relationship and considered bailing out. Heading home. But, I didn’t.
It is my neighborhood after all. And I don’t mind it in the least, when I’m relaxing in the back yard while the kids play, or driving thru the winding streets in my little black van. But on foot, I notice every peak and valley. Even the slightest of grades, my lungs begin to burn just a bit and I’m ready to cave. Never mind my conquering warrior status from moments ago. Running just taunts me, “You’ll never be in shape… You can’t do this… Its just not possible for someone like you…”
But, I pressed forward, trying to get along with her.
My street intersects with another road, called Dunhill. Dunhill takes off wildly like a rollercoaster, sharply curving to the left and seems to drop straight down. It is on this stretch that I typically get a good stride going, enough to help me gain momentum and then take off uphill, reaching the end of the cul-de-sac with some ease. sort of. That’s the usual. But on Saturday, things were different.
I found out that each household on Dunhill, on Saturday mornings, takes their large monstrous dogs out into their yards without leashes. Running went ahead and pointed each dog out, mocking me. I almost slowed to a standstill; I am afraid of dogs.
Taking a deep breath, I kept on, trying to ignore her.
When I got home from the 31 minutes of the running and walking cycle, I realized my life is a lot like my experience with running. I am my own worst enemy – believing my own fears – on two counts. First, I think that my circumstances, the terrain in front of me is able to stop me. Second, my own weaknesses scream so loudly in my ears and its hard to ignore. Its true with exercise… its true in my walk with the Lord.
Here’s what I know: I don’t have to be afraid. My fears of what goes on in the world around me and my worries over my own inability are inconsequential because of this one thing:
from Romans 8:
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
36 As it is written:“For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,
39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Because of Christ’s death on the cross, his burial and resurrection I am able to call my self conqueror! Without exception, His love gives the ultimate power, brining strength for endurance in any situation, spiritual or physical. I don’t have to give an ear to my friend, Running’s taunting.
I do not have to run scared. Not now. Not ever.
daily portion 