Run the Race

Have you ever participated on a marathon or fun run?

I remember my experience on one legit fun run here in UAE. It was the Color Run held last 2014. It was really “FUN”. I did not notice that I ran for 5 kilometers. Did I prepare anything for this? I have to wake up a little bit early, since we have to travel a little bit to reach the venue. At the end of the race, I enjoyed it since I have to run together with some friends and family.

For professional athletes, especially if they are participating in a 10 kilometer run or a triathlon, they have to really train and prepare in advance to condition their bodies. They will undergo rigid training in order for their bodies to be fit and in good, perfect condition for the race.

Lately, there have been many things that I am thinking that makes me rethink and slowdown in the race that I am currently running in. There were many times that I have to momentarily stop and think if I am still on the right track, or if I am still running this race with the right purpose in mind and the right attitude. I kept on asking these questions over and over again, until I came to a point to ask Him this directly. Then God gave me this answer:

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Hebrews 12:11 NIV

The race I’m currently into right now is quite difficult. I’ve been used to on a fix schedule at work and was able to squeeze in some time to have fellowships and meetings after my 8 AM to 6PM job. But here comes the testing, I was asked to do a 3PM to 1AM schedule. Imagine the adjustments I have to make from my usual routine every day.

As I approach the finish line, I learned a lot of things that helped me in different areas.

1. The discipline

Upon hearing that I have to do a different shift for a week, it made me a little bit furious and don’t mind it and push on working at my comfortable schedule. Rather than pushing what I want, I have obeyed what my managers asked me to do, even at first it’s hard.

Thus, a disciple was developed, the discipline of depending on Him, whether in times of need or in times of hardships.

fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1

       2. The harvest

Towards the end of my PM shifts, I have realized a lot of things. He gave me the peace to understand the situation. There is peace when I surrendered my situation to God. I experienced trials to strengthen my character and to check the foundations I have. Instead of complaining about the circumstances, I asked God what is He trying to teach me this time. The more that I depend on Him, the more I feel that I am secured and I can surpass all the challenges in life because He is the source of my strength.

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

This is what He had given me. The race I’m on is not easy, and hurdles will come along the way. The finish line on this current season is there, but it takes a great amount if effort and discipline to get there.  Every day is a choice to fight the battles or flee somewhere else. I would choose to fight, run and endure this race because I know that at the finish line, I will have a reward, an eternal reward from the One who keeps me running.

No matter what life throws at you, as long as you have anchored your life in Christ, you will have the strength to carry on the challenges because God’s power is working in us (Ephesians 3:20), and He can do great things, beyond what we could imagine.