Today was a big day for me physically. For the World Race, we are required to hike 2 miles in 40 minutes or we may be asked to defer until we are physically ready for the Race. Honestly, I didn’t think I stood a chance. My squad mates were all sure that it wouldn’t be a problem, that we’d be doing it together, and we’d all be fine. I thought, “They don’t know ME though. They’ve never seen how I can’t even run for 30 seconds. They’ve never seen my true size because they only know me through a computer screen.”
Well this morning, the Lord proved His faithfulness. I walked 2.05 miles in 33 minutes and 44 seconds.
(I felt so weird walking around my neighborhood with my pack on. But you know what I learned? People don’t care about what I look like as much as I think they do :p)
At the beginning, I told myself I might as well turn around now because there’s no way this is going to happen. And by the end, yes I was tired and sweaty and my legs were burning like they don’t do very often, but I was full of joy and encouragement like I’ve never felt before.
Sure, the conditions I did this in aren’t the same as what they will be in Georgia in July, but I did it. In the times when I felt like calling my mom and asked her to pick me up, I prayed instead that Jesus would literally be my strength when I am weak. He showed up. He kept me going. In my weak, tired state, He whispered that He will get me through this (the World Race) because He has called me to it and is preparing the way for me.
I never expected to learn so much during this walk. I’m thankful for a Daddy who loves me even though I’m out of shape, lazy, lack self control, and it seems altogether impossible for me to stand up to the physical requirements the World Race sets before me. Jesus doesn’t ask me to be in perfect shape for the Race. All He asks is that I do my best to honor Him with my body (physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually), but most importantly, LOVE Him and LOVE others.
