you won’t believe who I ran into at the park the other day…

Well, maybe you will.

Friday morning, 10:30 AM, I loaded my beautiful children into my mini van and we headed out for the park.  I was planning a run and they were planning to play.  It was a lovely, sunny morning.  Slightly windy, with a chilly bite, but none the less, it was perfect running and playing weather.

We pulled into the parking lot, the kids hopped out and were on their way and I prepared for my run.  Physically, I knew my body could do it.  Mentally, its all so new, my mind was not so sure.  But, there was no turning back – I had week 7 day 2 pulled up of the “Couch to 5K” app on my phone; the phone was strapped onto my arm and my earbuds were plugged in ready to go.  All I had to do was tap “go” on the screen and my warm-up walk would begin. Today was set for a five minute walk, followed by a 26 minute run, and then a five minute cool down.

Just as I was about to finish stretching and take off, who showed up at the park but the dissenting  duo, doubt and discouragement.  seriously.  How do they always know when to show up?   How?

I began my warm-up, walking at a steady pace.  and they were stepping along behind me, in my shadow,

the dissenters: Psssst… you know you’ll never finish this, right?  Not today… you should probably plan to walk part of the way. 

Hmmm…Just a few words from them and I found myself considering a walk break, and I hadn’t even started running yet.

me (in my most convincing voice) : Oh yes, I can finish.  I’m so ready and I really want this!

The buzzer went off and my “couch to 5K” app told me to start running. I inhaled deeply and got started. But, doubt and discouragement weren’t far behind.  They would pop out from behind a bush or park bench with something negative to say…

the dissenters : Aren’t you ready to walk yet?  Your legs have to be burning.  I bet your feet are numb. You’ll probably end up with a heart attack or something and leave your children motherless…

At the five minute marker of what I hoped to be a twenty six minute run, I felt my courage beginning to melt away.  But, my legs kept pushing and my running playlist was pounding in my ears, propelling me forward.

me:  I really thought I was ready.  really…  I did…  

the dissenters: well, who do you think you are?  a runner?

But before I could even begin to respond, HE stepped in and illuminated the darkness of doubt and discouragement on my path.   And He said,

She’s my daughter (Galatians 3:26).  She’s courageous (Joshua 1:9).  She’s strong (Psalm 27:1).  She’s a woman of God (1Peter 2:9).  She’s a fighter (1 Timothy 6:12). And yes, by My might and by My power, she is a runner (2Corinthians 4:7-10).

And with that, doubt and discouragement, ran with their tails between their legs, leaving me to run in peace.

Hearing these truths from God’s word while I ran, I realized He meant them to be life giving, not just when I’ve tied my running shoes on, but for every day, for every situation.  I can live by His power, a strong believer, finishing the course He’s set before me, living a faithful life.

Thank you Heavenly Father for meeting me at the park the other day, for being my defender and my deliverer and for loving me…  I couldn’t have gone running without you!  I can’t be the runner you’ve called me to be unless you show up to be my strength every day.  amen.