ENDURANCE

I wouldn't, by any means, consider myself a runner. But I run. As in not often, but once in a while. When I was struggling with depression the only thing that could get my mind out of the dark was to run. When I started running my endurance was very low- I started off running only one mile. Over time, with consistent effort and a determination, I began to see my endurance progress. Before I knew it I had reached my goal of running 5 miles. That same week I was able to run 6.5 miles. My endurance had never been so good. I saw something good come out of something bad.

This morning I ran and I realized my endurance was, again, low. I struggled with the 2.6 miles I ran. I have not run in a while and the lack of consistency showed.

As I ran. my inability and struggle reminded me of my faith. I try to see the big picture. I see the mileage, the destination, each stride as one giant course. My job is not to see the big picture. My job is to take each step and push forward. It is not to create my destination but to endure the journey. I am not supposed to know the course I will run, but to trust in God's plan. When I try to see the course and how it maps out I am playing God. He sees the bigger picture, not me. He sees the road map and the destination. I am here for the journey.

My run made me realize that my endurance in my faith is low. Just as I have to work every day at running a little bit further to reach my goal, I must also work in my faith. I must commit to renewing my mind each day to get one step closer to the bigger picture. If all I want is to see the bigger picture then I will miss each stride. Each stride that can represent an opportunity to share my story, to serve in youth ministry, to grow in my faith and make it my own. When my vision is set on the destination I forget to endure the journey. To strengthen my faith's endurance and to work at it every day until the day I reach my end point, until the day I reach my destination. God has a plan, a map for my life, and I have to work every day to let him guide me. I cannot just wake up and run the race. I am not able and I am not ready. Every day is an opportunity to strengthen our endurance, to grow in our faith, and to let God reveal our road map.