As a fundraiser for our nonprofit, we used to host an annual 5K each summer. I normally just did the 1-mile walk before the 5k in memory of our daughter. The last year we did it though, I decided that my non-runner self needed to actually run the 5K.
A few months before, I started going late in the evenings to run/walk around the local university. At first, I couldn’t even pull off running a quarter of a mile before I felt like I was gasping for air and having to slow to a walk.
But I kept trying.
I wasn’t worried about how long it took me, I just wanted to be able to run the 5k without stopping. I’ve never been an overly athletic person, so for me, it was a big deal.
I tried another 5K before ours (that was a bit embarrassing), but I don’t do well with the daytime heat. Thankfully, ours was a nighttime glow run.
Each time I’d go running, I’d listen to podcasts and try to drown out the thoughts of, “I hate this. I don’t want to run anymore.”
Yet a few days later, I’d feel determined and feel the urge to go lace up my shoes once again and hit the blacktop.
The night of the 5K finally came and I felt as ready as I was going to get. I said a few words to the crowd of runners about the grief journey and how we keep pressing onward. I talked about how when we start a new journey, it may feel like we can’t make it through, but we just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
I finished speaking and went to get into the starting line. On the signal, we started to run.
My dear husband stayed with me and encouraged me the whole way (he had run each one and even did a half marathon the year before).
We set a pace and worked our way around. One lap. Two laps. By about halfway through the last lap, I was feeling it. I started meditating on scripture as I ran and praying for strength. It felt very significant to run the race and finish. It was important to me.
I thought of how when we are going through difficult times in life, God uses those to stretch our faith muscles. Each new “workout” helps us go a little further the next time.
I was praying for the strength to finish without walking and the podcast I’d been listening to switched off and a sermon came on.
As I was really pushing myself to keep running, we were turning the corner for about the last quarter of the way and the voice in my ears started telling a story about an Olympic athlete who had injured her ankle before finishing her final vault attempt at the 1996 Olympics. Kerri Strug.
I had to laugh as the voice in my ear started cheering me on, quoting Kerri’s coach. “Come on, Kerri! Shake it off! You can do it!”
The timing of that moment, when I hadn’t even chosen that message in my playlist- that was an answered prayer of encouragement.
While Kerri Strug won gold, I just wanted to finish. I pushed through the last bit of the race and somehow my time didn’t get officially recorded, but I finished. Without having to stop or walk.
Whatever is stretching your faith muscles right now, keep pushing forward.
Ask God for the boost you need and watch for it. Expect it. He is faithful and good, and wants to strengthen you in your trials.
“Shake it off, you can do it!”
In Christ,
Keri
PS: Do you need a boost THIS WEEK?? Register for the World Women’s Wholeness Summit, March 5-7th! Dr. Barbara and Pastor Tim have over 80 speakers lined up and you can either get a ticket to attend online for free OR go all-in with an all-access pass to get lots of bonuses! Go here to register: https://www.3wsummit.com/optin-v21609192496825?affiliate_id=2961340 (*affiliate link)