Running and Rest

I am editing the last episode of Simple Truths for the year and one of the guests made a comment that got me to thinking. It was a piece of advice offered to him back in high school.

They were running track and one of the coaches offered this piece of advice; advice that he now offers to the youth he coaches: “One of the biggest mistakes runners make is trying to figure out ‘who’s behind me?’ We must always keep our eye on the goal; the finish line. As soon as we turn our head and try to see who is behind us, it slows us down; we lose momentum.” When I heard that, I knew this morning’s topic. Running the race.

Are you a runner? I have never been much of a runner. I can run, but do I want to run? Not very often! ;0) I decided to do a little exploring this morning anyway, and what I found made me smile as I saw the comparisons to our walk with Christ.

I found 17 helpful hints for running on a Peloton website. I will share just 7 of them, and I have made them much shorter in their description:

1. Keep It Consistent. When it comes to running, even a few minutes counts.

2. Don’t Overly Fixate on Form. The truth is, there is no “right way” to run.

3. Embrace Easy Days. Slow running is still running.

4. Find Good Shoes. Your shoes will affect your experience.

5. Head for the Hills. Hill workouts are a specific type of speed workout.

6. Be Patient. Building your endurance is running regularly, but it needs to be gradual.

7. Prioritize Rest. It’s important to remember it isn’t just your running that builds your endurance and stamina. It’s also the recovery process. Schedule at least one total rest day each week, and make sure to prioritize sleep every night.

There are so many parallels between these tips and our walk of faith!

1. Keep It Consistent. In our faith journey, consistent prayer, Bible study, and devotion, no matter how small, builds spiritual strength. Just as a runner grows with regular practice, a believer grows through regular study and faithfulness. Hebrews 12:1 tells us to, “…lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” ESV

2. Don’t Overly Fixate on Form. God values authenticity and heart over outward appearances or rituals. The focus should be on staying disciplined and genuine in our faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 - “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” ESV

3. Embrace Easy Days. Some days are a slower pace in our spiritual journey, and that is okay! Trust that even little steps with the Lord moves us forward. 1 Corinthians 9:24 asks us, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.” ESV

4. Find Good Shoes. Just as good shoes support a runner, the Gospel equips and sustains us for the race of faith. One of my all-time favorite verses is found in Isaiah 40:31: “but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” ESV Oh…how I long to run and not get weary. Can you imagine? Just running for the pure and simple joy of being able to run without growing tired! WOW! Yes please.

5. Head for the Hills. Trials (hills) strengthen and build our faith. Trials teach us determination and reliance on God. Trials are essential for growth and preparing us for the challenges ahead. This verse has always caused me to pause, but trials are intended to grow us, not break us! James 1:2-4 encourages us to, "Count it all joy…when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." ESV. Growth comes through trials. Trials help us refine and prepare us for what lies ahead. Because as we all know, there is more coming.

6. Be Patient. Spiritual growth is a gradual process. Patience and regularly getting into God’s Holy Word ensures a strong foundation; a foundation we will need to handel life’s challenges. Matthew 24:13 promises us, “…the one who endures to the end will be saved.” ESV

7. Prioritize Rest. I love that even Peloton recognizes that we need one day of rest each week. God commands us to rest, not just physically but also spiritually. The Sabbath was established during creation week; it is a gift, a consecrated time to pause, reflect, and be renewed in Him. And just as rest days are essential for a runner’s endurance, the Sabbath restores and strengthens our relationship with God. “…And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.” Genesis 2:1-3 ESV

So, whether you are a seasoned runner, or just starting your journey, remember the promise that Jesus issued in Matthew 11:28: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." ESV I love the imagery of handing God my heavy pile of junk.

He promises to give us rest!

by Jeanette Stark – Wednesday, December 11, 2024