Running

I went running this afternoon and was a little surprised at how thoroughly I enjoyed it. I ran over 2 miles and loved it. It was a good time to start thinking. I realized that one can enjoy running even when it starts to hurt. I used to think that I didn't really like running- it was uncomfortable and even made me feel sick. So? I begin to see that running means running through the pain. And it does get better, but then we can just go farther till it hurts. It is a struggle, but one we were meant for. This is what apostle Paul meant when he compared the Christian life to running. It is not easy, no, it is hard. But the Lord created us to live for him, to run this race. Not everyone is able to run physically, but we are all running towards the heavenly prize. Lift your eyes to the horizon, can you see your goal? It is there, Jesus waiting with his arms open. Heaven is our ultimate prize, but there are others along the way. When we think we have learned one lesson, conquered a fear, or have helped someone, another obstacle crosses our path. It is called sanctification. It will never end until we are made perfect on the other side. But running is pleasant; the joy can override the pain. The Holy Spirit is our wind. The end is closer than you know. Keep going! I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. -Philipians 3:14