I’ve been running for approximately 15 years now. When I was 12 years old, I realized I did not possess the same talent for any ball sport my two younger sisters have. So, I took up cross-country and track. Running takes less hand-eye-coordination, and seemed safer at the time.
Until I was 13. One day something mysterious happened. The top half of my body decided to go faster than my bottom half. I managed to make a fool out of myself by eating the tire surface of the track not just once, but twice. This brings back other memories from my childhood…I broke my wrist two times, because I fell running in Physical Education class in Elementary School.
Seriously, who manages to do this? Tripping over their own two feet while running, causing two fractures, and embarrassing oneself in front of hundreds of spectators at a Regional Track Meet?
Now I’d like to think I am older, wiser, and more experienced. Countless high school track meets, 5k Races, and six half marathons later, you would think I could managed to run on my own two feet.
Let’s just say running in countries around the world is…incomparable from the rubber track or nicely paved sidewalks back in the States.
In Kenya, I hit it hard and did a really cool summersault move on the asphalt. My right palm, shoulder, and knee had battle wounds to prove I went running that day. In Latvia, I had my first experience of running on freshly frozen ice, and felt the sting of cold impact after plummeting to the earth.
Seriously, who still falls at 26 years old while running?
Well, we all do. No matter what the age or life experience.
Jesus spoke a lot in metaphors when He was on this earth. I think He still uses metaphors to teach us lessons today.
We all continue to tumble in this Race of following Jesus.
But how we choose to respond after we belly flop, effects how we will run the rest of our Race.
Some may jump back up and immediately begin sprinting.
Some may sit there, shocked by the fall.
Some may be surprised at the wounds acquired.
Some may need to heal before beginning to jog again.
Some may need a hand to help them up.
Some may need the encouragement of others to cheer them on.
All need their eyes fixed on the One Who created this Race of Faith.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy that was set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 ‘Make level paths for your feet,’[b]so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. Hebrews 12:1-3, 13
I've got some more good news for any fellow fallers out there:
The Lord makes firm the steps
of the one who delights in him;
though he may stumble, he will not fall,
for the Lord upholds him with his hand.
Psalm 37:23-24​
Our heavenly Father is cheering for us, rooting us on, making our steps firm, and upholding us with His hand! That encourages me to keep running!
