Running the Race: 5-Days of Encouragements for an Active LifestyleSample

Running the Race

In 2018, Mike set out to raise money for safe water in Africa. The trip would take nine days and total 2,700 miles from San Diego, CA to Charleston, South Carolina. Four days in, he was battling a cold, sore from head to toe, and doubting that he could really do another five days on the road.

In those moments, it was easy to slip into discouraging thoughts, but Hebrews 12 and Philippians 4:8 rang in his ears. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning shame. 

“God conquered death and endured the cross,” Mike said. “For the joy set before him, he endured the cross and took it all so we don't have to, so that we can run the race and endure… We can step into hard things knowing what Jesus did for us, and riding the next 50, 60 miles, that’s nothing.”

Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Mike was riding with a team of seven men—the Wheels4Water team—and he was the Team Lead. As team lead, Mike shared this verse with them. 

“I limit my abilities based on my comfort, instead of based off of truly how much God has placed inside of us. Set your eyes on what is good and noble and true. In those hard times, if I allowed my mindset to go to ‘I’m so sore; I’m so tired,’ then that’s all I see. If I set it on ‘I’m powerful,’ and ‘I’m able to do this; I’ve trained for this… then that’s what I see.” 

To you on your ride, hike, run, climb, or swim, Mike said, “You are worthy of what you chose to step into.”

You are capable, strong, and able to run the race with perseverance. Remember what Jesus did for us so that we can accomplish the race we set out to accomplish. 

QUESTION OF THE DAY

What are the aches and pains or mental strains that are hindering you from running the race to your fullest capacity today?