Basketball was the sport I was best known for in high school. But, I decided to try track one year. Needing endurance for basketball, I decided to run the mile. The school had a very good one mile runner, but he graduated the year before. Coming from a very small school they needed someone to run the mile, so I volunteered to train and run the mile.
I received no formal training on how to prepare for running a mile race. But, I did a lot of running in preparation for the first track meet.
The time for my first race came. We all lined up. The gun sounded. We were off. I knew immediately, I was not prepared to be running in a race with athletes who knew how to run the mile. After the first lap I was in the middle of the back. After the next lap I began to fall further behind and that bothered me. I got my energy together and ran hard to catch up to the leaders.
I did catch up, but then all my strength left. I fell way, way behind. Only one runner was behind me, and I was not about to come in last. I ended up coming in second to last.
Paul says the Christian life is a race. It does require discipline and perseverance because it is a marathon, not just a mile.
“but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31 NIV
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