WHAT’S IT REALLY MEAN TO RUN?

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.