Maranatha Marathon

Some of you may know that I have begun training to run a marathon on December 5th in Dallas, Texas. Over the next several months I am going to share some of what the Lord has been revealing to me through that experience. Presently I am in my second month of training. Last Sunday I did my 12 mile run. I had prepared by loading up on carbohydrates and drinking liquids to make sure I was properly hydrated. As I started I felt great, but about 9 miles into the run my left knee began to hurt. I spent the next mile of so trying to decide whether I should stop or run through it. I decided to keep going and managed to finish the run, but I knew something was not right. I put ice on it and took Ibuprofen but that night I could hardly walk. All I could envision was 2 months of training down the drain. It was a very discouraging night and the morning was not any better. However, I did find some information on the internet that did give me a glimpse of hope. Later that day I went to a running store and my computer information was confirmed. I have Iliotibial Band Syndrome. The treatment is stretching and strengthening along with rest, icing and anti-inflammatory drugs. More than anything I need you to be praying for me because this kind of injury takes time to heal. I certainly have come too far to quit now but I do not have a lot of time to rest, so.... I need a miracle.

As I was thinking about all this I was reminded that our walk with God is really like a marathon. It is not a sprint - it is a long run that takes endurance and perseverance. Along the way God will stretch us and strenghten us. At times we will need to rest and sometimes (most likely many times we will feel like quitting). The bottom line is that life - like running a marathon is not easy. It takes preparation and training in order to do it right. At this point my success in running a marathon is in God's hands. I am willing to work hard and put in the practice but He has to supply the healing. Therefore my eyes are on Him (praise God in the last few days it has felt good)

There are lots of parallels to life in this story. Most of all we will get more out of life when we are willing to work hard and put forth great effort, but in the end everything in life depends on our reliance on God. He is the one that makes all the pieces fit together. On our own we can only go so far. It is only when we trust in Him that it all works together for good because He is the only one who can see the whole race we are living from the beginning to the end. Isn't it good to know that He is not surprised by anything that we encounter along the way.

While that is enough of my ramblings for now. Bless you!!!