A Reason to Run
Dan Kunz
According to statistics from a few years ago, nearly 60 million Americans participated in running, jogging, or trail running. Many more engaged in some sort of walking activity. Maybe you were among them. If you ever entered any kind of road race, you’re aware of certain “benefits” that take place along the way.
Depending on the length of the race, organizers usually set up a number of water stops along the way. Besides water, various energy drinks, such as Gatorade or Powerade, may be available. Runners who are experienced sometimes carry a Clif Bar or Powerbar, GU gel, or jellybeans to consume. A myriad of choices exist for those who need a boost along road or trail. On a hot day, races sometimes have “misting stations” set up so that people can receive a light spray of water to cool off and bring their core temperature down. “Bolder Boulder”, a well-know 10K race in Colorado which boasts 50,000 runners and ends in Folsom Field, the home of the University of Colorado football team, has a unique benefit along the race route. A dozen or so rock bands are set up along the course to pump up the runners as they pass!
Road races often have benefits at the end as well. Some offer T-shirts, medals, cash prizes, or gift certificates. Races I’ve run have had bananas and other fruit, a pancake breakfast, and even free beer when you cross the finish line. (The beer didn’t seem very appealing after running 26.2 miles!) Between cash prizes and sponsorships, elite class marathoners can make a living in running. Depending on the size of the race and the order of your finish, the organizers may announce your name as you finish, which is pretty cool, too!
In last week’s blog (published in 2021), I discussed Paul’s reference to physical training and spiritual training. Physical training gives you physical benefits, but spiritual training can give you benefits for this life and the life to come. 2 Timothy 3:16 “All Scripture is God breathed and useful for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, and for training in righteousness…” Spiritual training includes activities such as daily devotions, praying, individual reading and studying of God’s Word, group Bible study, and regular church attendance. The earthly benefits of those activities are many. When the storms of life strike, as they certainly will, Scripture can bring great comfort, not only to you, but also to those with whom you share it. God hears and appreciates our prayers, so a heartfelt prayer can bring the help for which we ask. An improved knowledge of God’s expectations for us gives us the opportunity to live a more sanctified life, which in turn gives us a conscience much freer from blame and guilt. The “new man” comes forth! Bible knowledge helps fend off the attacks of the Devil.
I Corinthians 9:24 “Do you not know that when runners compete in the stadium, they all run, but only one receives the prize. Run like that – to win!” Poets and theologians have filled books with descriptions of the joys and glories of heaven. Human words and earthly comparisons simply can’t picture it. Consider the absolute best that earth has to offer and multiply times ten, a hundred, or a thousand. We will experience complete joy without end! As Paul explains above, we run this race to win, but the amazing part is that we can all win. As a matter of fact, we’ve already won. Christ crossed the finish line 2000 years ago for us and we get the prize! When we run the race of faith, we have the wind at our backs. God pushes us across the finish line and the Holy Spirit will announce our name. Was the training worth it? Absolutely!