
by Tammy Phillips
October 10, 2020
“…Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith… (Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV)
By definition, I “ran” my second 5k of the year, earlier this week. Kris ran it in 28:13 minutes! My goal was for my average pace to beat his completion time. I won 22:48 mi/min! LOL!
Let me make this clear, the very last thing that I wanted to talk to you about on a rainy, fall, Saturday morning is running. I would have preferred to be snuggled in my big chair reading a book. However, I could not “run” away from the subject. I have always thought of myself as very competitive, but not as a runner. However, I have come to realize we all runners in life. Hope this sheds light on what it means to run.
Here are a few definitions from Websters Dictionary1828…
RUN:
- To move or pass in almost any manner
- To move rapidly, by leaps or long quick steps
- To use the legs in moving; to step
- To move in a hurry
- To flow in any manner, slowly or rapidly
- To be liquid or fluid, as in water
- To be fusible, to melt. As in fire
- To flow, as words, language or periods.
- To have a course or direction.
- To pass in thought, speech or practice;
- To have a track or course.
- To have a certain direction.
- To grow exuberantly.
- To dart; to shoot; as a meteor in the sky.
- To drive; to force.
- To crush; to overthrow; to overbear.(http://webstersdictionary1828.com/Dictionary/run)
The Blue Letter Bible’s definition of run: to walk hastily; to exert oneself, strive hard; to spend one’s strength in performing or attaining something (https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G5143&t=KJV)
Peteni Kuzwayo is editor of Run For Wealth, a blog established with the mission of helping people “Run A Fulfilling Life Race”. Kuzwayo has run over 20 Marathons, 10 Ultra-marathons and 4 Comrades Marathons. He is also the Nike Run Club Coach in JHB, South Africa. According to an article by Kuzwayo , “Why Runners Are More Likely To Be Successful” who set goals; value time; are highly disciplined; know how to overcome obstacles; build networks and relationships; are part of a team where you can learn from the strongest and be encouraged; understand that failure is a transition to success. (https://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/11-reasons-why-runners-are-more-likely-successful.html)
Sounds like Peteni might have gotten a few success tips from God’s Instruction Manual when writing his article. Whether we are running a 5k, a marathon or competing on the course of life:
“…Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith… (Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV)
“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes [for the prize] is temperate in all things. Now they [do it] to obtain a perishable crown, but we [for] an imperishable [crown]. Therefore, I run thus: not with uncertainty. (1 Corinthians 9:24-26 NKJV)
We are told to run at least two different time in the passages above. After picking apart the scriptures, this is how I see we are to run:
- Run the race set before you.
- Run with endurance and patience.
- Run exercising self-control in all things.
- Run as one trained.
- Run looking at Jesus.
- Run like Jesus, the Finisher.
- Run with purpose in every step.
- Run with confidence.
- Run with determination
- Run resolutely.
- Run bravely.
- Run with a goal.
- Run to finish.
- Run to take down.
- Run to win the prize.
I enCOURAGE you to RUN! Take one step at a time, one foot in front of another.
❤️❤️❤️—love this one!!
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