I’m not built for running, I’m built for loving.

But I do understand something about this race thing, because I once took part in the Karoo to Coast mountain bike challenge. It was my first bike race and as these things go, we didn’t really follow a fitness programme in the run-up to the race.

The first day of the race had the worst weather in history. Storm winds were blowing. It was raining buckets. It was icy cold and at times, the ice rain cut right through you. I pushed on and thought that was the way it should be. I had no previous experience, remember.

Going uphill was a battle. We climbed more than 1 500 metres in total. Fortunately, there were stations at the top where we could stock up on energy bananas, chocolate bars, doughnuts, energy drinks, and more. Going downhill was a pleasure, because my weight advantage made me fly past the other riders.

Quite a few hours later, my pal and I cycled into Knysna on rubbery legs. What a great feeling to know we had completed this hard challenge successfully.

I practically slept all the way home in the kombi and though I was so stiff when I got out at home, it was such a good feeling, because I had given everything I had.

We must do the same with the spiritual race that we’re involved in. We must give everything: ¹… Strip down, start running—and never quit!

Life is filled with challenges. Often it feels as if the mountain we’re struggling to climb, is just too big and we want to give up. We want to turn to God and tell Him we can’t keep going. It’s just too much. We have no strength left to hit that curve ball again.

But it is then that we have to take a stand. Even if we haven’t practised enough beforehand to get to the top of that hill, we must know that the Holy Spirit will help us. He will give us the strength to get to the top, and, yes, at the top is a place where we will get new energy.

A season of downhill will come again. Times when things will be easier will come again. You must just believe it and trust that it will be so.

We have to tackle this race with everything we have. We have to defend against the enemy’s attacks every moment of the day. We shouldn’t let anything slow us down, and when the uncomfortable, unexpected uphills show up, we must keep pushing forward, knowing that at the end of this season a table is waiting where we will be able to build up our energy and regain our strength.

In a way, God will make everything work out for good. Yes!

Scripture
Hebrews 12:1-3

Reflection
How is your race going?
How are your uphills?
Do you know about the energy table at the top?

Prayer
Heavenly Father, I’m all too aware that I’m not strong enough for this spiritual race. Sometimes it’s just too tempting to wallow in self-pity or to look for outcomes that I know are not within Your will. Your Word says when I am weak, You are strong in me. Please give me the strength to run this race to the very end. In Jesus’ Name, amen.