I found myself recently on a treadmill, but not by choice if I can say that, but out of a pure need to have my heart functions tested to check the state of responsiveness in stressful conditions. Luckily for me, I did not trip over or fly off the end when they set it to the required upper parameters of incline and speed, but I can tell you I was clinging on for dear life! Yet something within me could sense the urge to no longer just stroll along at a pace to keep in time with the belt – I could feel the yearning desire to once again run!
You see I remember the early morning gym sessions, where I’d be pushing the speed and incline up on the treadmill like a crazed woman to increase the intensity levels of my cardio workout so I could hit the weights section downstairs. But somehow different demands and seasons impeded on that time at the gym. And I was in need of a bit of rest time from the hectic pace of my daily exercise schedule.
Then God reminded me of His Word found in Galatians 5:7-8:
“You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you!”
In that moment I felt reminded that I had been running well, but then I understood more clearly God was asking me, “Who or what did I allow to cut in to deflect me from running the race He had set for me?” Can I say that there was probably a lot of things that sidetracked me from running; like discouragements, failings, busyness, tiredness and other stuff becoming more of a priority. And without realising it, I was drawn away from what was good for my overall health!
Life can be pretty full on and we are continually encouraged to live a life that is worthy of our calling! We are urged to “….get out there and walk, better yet run on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline, not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences. You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly!” [Eph. 4:1-6 MSG]
You may have found yourself in a similar situation! So what’s holding you back from the adventure of the race you’ve been called to run? Can I encourage you to strip off every unnecessary weight that you’ve not been asked to carry, and the sin that so easily entangles you and run with endurance the race that is set before you! (Hebrews 12:1)