Always There

06 April, 2013

My friend Andrea and I competed in the Hollywood 10k run early this morning. Neither of us had prepared quite as well as we should have, but we knew that it would be a good time nonetheless.

We started the race out at a solid, easy speed. We were enjoying the morning breeze, happily taking in the Hollywood tourist attractions alongside the course. We read the names of the stars on the sidewalk, waved at the volunteers, and laughed at funny billboards.

Once we hit the halfway point, it started to get tough. Our legs were shaking and our breath grew heavy, but we were determined to finish the race with a decent time. Andrea held a quick pace, and I was focused in order to stay at her side.

But, with two miles to go, I didn't know if my body could handle it. I knew that I couldn't slow down now; I had already come this far and wanted to prove that I could still run well without training.

I knew I needed to do something, so I started to pray. Hard. I needed energy from outside of my body, and I began to beg God to give me enough strength to finish with Andrea. I desperately needed God to breathe His life into me, and I knew that I couldn't finish without Him.

It occurred to me that the 10k run represented my life. Sometimes things seem to be perfect and easy-going. Other times, I don't know if I can make it through the day. When life is carefree, I tend not to give God the time and praise that He constantly deserves. When life gets tough, I'm reminded that I need the Lord to lead me and hold my hand through this life.

I shouldn't have to experience a tough day, or race, to cling to God; it should be constant. Why didn't I acknowledge God during the first half of the race? Because I thought I was fine on my own. It wasn't until I couldn't handle the pain that I finally begged God for his aid.

Even after ignoring Him before the run grew tough, His mercy and grace gave me the stamina to make it through. Once the finish line was in view, Andrea and I sprinted to the end hand in hand. Once we crossed, she looked to me and asked, "Could you feel God's presence with us?"

Heaving for breath and pulling my medal over my head, I managed an answer:
"Yeah, He was there."

The Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)