"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.
And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do
it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I
run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight, not as one who beats the air. But
I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest when I have preached to
others, I myself should not become disqualified." 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Hey folks, I want to share a poem I wrote about two things that I am very passionate in life: running and God. I actually wrote this poem during my first year in college when my lifestyle was changing, I was taking on new responsibilities, and being new baptized, I was learning and growing (and still am to this day) in my faith and in the Word.
Before I share this poem I want to tell what God has been teaching me since I wrote this poem. I had the opportunity to share this peom with my church youth. One week from when I shared it, the words of the poem put my life into a test. Were the words I had been write and shared with others really true? Or was I just deceiving myself while making nice rhymes on a page. Was I really running the marathon of life no matter what circumstance?
Here it goes:
It was finals week and wanting to take a break from studying, my good friend and I had a genius idea to go running in the mountains (because they are awesome). I found a trail map, we took a few water bottles, grabbed our music, and we were off. This was a new trail, weather was great, and we were ready to run. We parked near the trial head, and took off at a great race pace. Keeping track of time, we were about three and a half miles in, before we had to cross a flowing creek.
No problem, I thought. We jumped across and kept going. We reached a crossroad, the trail split into two, and judging the landscape, we quickly decided to go left. We ran on, a great pace, we were suppose to be back in the car in about 20 minutes, drive home, and continue studying for finals. Our plans suddenly did not go as we intended. As we ran on, we reached a few more crossroads, until we finally realized we reached a familiar place. We had just ran by this place 25 minutes ago. We had made a large loop.
Tired, we stopped to take a break and think. I sat on a rock catching my breath, enjoying the nice view and air. We had come out of the woods and we were above green prairie hills. No panic yet,
"We'll make it back, it'll just take a little longer" I thought. That thought did not last very long. As I reached into my pocket, my heart dropped to the ground, no keys! I check the other pocket, nothing! I tried to think what could of happened to them. I had been carrying my car key in my hand, how could I have possibly dropped it? Then I remembered, I had probably had placed it in my pocket when we had crossed the creek.
Still lost, my friend and I decide to try to run back to the creek and look from them there. This time, we take a right on the trail, but now tired and discouraged, we are going at a much slower pace. As I run I pray to God to help us find the keys and get back home safely. After what seemed to be around 30-45 minutes, I am shocked what I see ahead of me! We had just made another ridiculous loop!!! Even though the terrain had been much different that time, I could not figure out how ended up in the same place. I finally admitted to God I was lost. I was frustrated why God had allowed this to happen.
My friend and I decide to stop attempting to find the key now, for it could be anywhere. We decided that we need to make it back to civilization before it got dark. (no lights whatsoever in the mountains) We moved forward, keeping our eyes open, in case we saw that shining key. I was thirsty and hungry now and my legs were sore. We are now mostly walking, and only jogging in short intervals. From faraway we spot a lady on horseback, coming toward us. We hurry and meet up to ask for directions. She gladly directs us and we press on. I am still frustrated. Even if we are able to get back, we can't drive, its useless. We move forward as the sunsets in the horizon, and the clouds roll in, and rain drizzles down. The combination of being tired, dehydrated, hungry, and wet, sinks my spirit low.
I think to myself... how it is impossible to remain joyful in Christ no matter the circumstance?...How did Job remain faithful to God after he had lost everything and nearly losing his life? He remained unmoved and faithful...God, how is that possible??? My circumstance changes for a little bit and I become sad, angry, and frustrated."
We finally make it back empty handed to the trail head where the car remained. My phone was locked inside. It was dusk, we found a small restaurant near the trail and used their phone. My dad picks up the call, and I explained what had happended, he immediate starts on his way. We gladly rehydrate with water provided by the restaurant. I feel better physically, but depression sinks down on me, and I become angry at myself...
I sat on the porch of the restaurant watching as the rain poured down. Many of my thoughts were mixed, I could not organize them or come to conclusions. Frustrated, I prayed to God for strength, for help, I realized it was longer in my hands. This gave some rest and peace. Because of the cold and rain, I went back the restaurant. My dad arrived 50 minutes later. He attempted to break into my car, but it, being a newer model, he could not...(we did not have any replicas of the key). As we drove home, we thought of all the possible ideas to get my car back. Tow my car? My dad even suggested of getting lights and searching through the night. On top of this, thoughts of the final tomorrow at noon flood my mind.
I decided to call a locksmith to create the key for me. It was expensive, nevertheless we arranged to meet up where my car remained around 1:00am. I am about to start driving out, and I receive a call. The locksmith's car had broken down on his way there, and he was getting towed...I was just shocked again...how? why?... "I was bummed, I God, let your will be done"..I decide at last resort to wake up early and go search for the key. I arrive very early with my brother. It was a gorgeous morning. Sun was peeking through the mountains while a misty layer of fog covered the ground. We start running again. We get to the creek, and search, nothing....We press on, I meet two fellow runners on the trail and ask them if they had seen keys. They did not, Spirit remained low, but I contiuned to run ahead of my brother.
Suddenly, I reach a open praire, the path narrows, and after about 100 feet I spot something familar. MY KEY!...It just stood there...waiting for me..Joy and peace flooded my heart...I was speechless, I praised God!
 |
| few moments after finding key |
"For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning."
The drive home as was awesome...I bought my friend awesome pancakes, reviewed for an hour and took my final. :-)
Few things I learned from this experience/still learning:
- Reliance on God, can't rely on yourself in this world.
- In our weakness, God is our strength; we allow God to be glorified.
- We can remain joyful, even in times of suffering
- Trust in God, he has plans in every situation
- God's promises remain faithful
- Continue running this marathon of life. Wait on God. Even when life gets hard and circumstance change, God does not. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He is our anchor who we can always hold on to and trust.
- Live for today, we don't know what may be tomorrow, make the most of the day, but remember what may be in the future.
In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9
Let us run with endurance the race God has set
before us. Hebrews 12:1
Take some time to read the poem:
Marathon of Life
I will never stop running
I will run till
I can run no more
Till I’m worn, broken, dead
If it costs me
my life
I will give it
I will surrender
Keeping you from me
Is
like removing air
From
the breath breathed,
Becoming
life.
Your great love
The refreshing warmth
Surrounds
me in a warm blanket on a cold day,
Warming
my body with your compassion.
We two as one and yet two,
This
power, your care,
Frees
me, yet holds me,
Guides
me.
From creation
He watches me
begin the race
He sees my self determination
Yet he knows I am far from the destination
But I am unaware, as a child in a new
love affair
That I am in
need of His grace
In this vigorous obstacle race
Approaching toward me, crossroads:
One left, the other right, barely in
sight,
I am undecided,
my thoughts inquire,
Many voices attempt to deceive;
Relax child, run
downhill with me;
“It will be effortless”
Everyone is doing it," they say,
“Enjoy life’s pleasures,
you live only once and then waste away”
Struggling to
decide
In the midst, I hear a soft voice
“Believe in Jesus, He the only way to live life
I believe in the Word and rejoice
The seed is sown
But sadly falls among the thorns.
Making the decision to take the route I
had been told
Only half a
mile in,
When the incline rises, path narrows,
the air suddenly
becomes thin,
my vision blurred, my faith tested
every
muscle protested
I try to stay on
trail
But
distracted, they prevail,
The lusts of the flesh, the problems in
life attract
Indeed the
spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak
Sounds of footsteps approach,
they become louder
and surround,
“You’re not going to make it,” they
resound
“Give up! You have already failed Him many times,”
“There is no point!”
“You will just fall again”
The
runner wonders in confusion,
“Do I really serve him?
Did I break my promise?
Or am I truly
a failure?
It can’t be
I must know what I’m doing,”
Pride fills his heart
“I trust Him,
nothing can tear us apart
Shallow rooted, I become overwhelmed by the tasks of life:
College, work, gym, books,
no time for Him
I increase my speed,
My heart is
pounding, ready to proceed
From above, He watches
As runner runs
his maximum, proud
Feeling a sense of self-worth, pride.
but forgets it’s
about Him
The one
Who supplies my life,
My strength,
every breath to my soul
Nevertheless, He pursues own ways
Off course, and
doesn’t delay
Thinking it is better
A shortcut,
Perhaps, an easier way
“I know where I’m going” he says,
I run maximum speed now,
without coordinates, nor sense of time when…
But then instantly, without warning
He crashes to the ground
Tripping on an oak root
Knees scrap against the gravel,
The runner falls face first, palms
sliding on rocks.
His ankles twisted,
but he persisted,
Every muscle now aching in pain
His mind wondering “what have I gained?”
Sweat drips from his face,
The heart becomes filled with disgrace
He lays there, unable to catch his breath,
Thinking about my very death,
How could I forget?
I glance up
Then I remember Him
The Truth, The Way, The Life.
John 14 verse 6
No one comes to the Father except
through Him.
I begin start to weep.
What have I done?
How could I have forgotten all he has
done for me?
The price that was paid
the blood that was laid
Why did I let go of His merciful hand?
Forgive me Father
I am a liar, thief, adulterer,
blasphemer; a sinner,
Rid me of my self
Life, not possible without you
For I am less than dust without You.
Take me back to the cross
Where You died for me
Fill me with Your everlasting love.
I am sick, tired, broken.
I
thirst and hunger for You!
For Your righteousness,
Your holiness.
“Father, I know You,
But do You know me?!”
Suddenly, rays of the sun smile down at
me
And the clouds of the storm disappear
My heart becomes flooded with peace
It rests my soul
I will never forget
“My son, come dine with me,
The price has been paid.”
Warmth
and delight overflows my heart
Rivers of living water pour out and
flood my soul
A fire of passion for Him
compassion and love for others
Is born from within
As I continue to run,
I take the narrow path,
But this time every step directed by Him
Runners puzzled around me
“Why would he go that way?”
They look at as an outcast
As I don’t belong,
They are right;
My salvation lies elsewhere
My soul finds rest in Him alone
My Rock, My Shelter, Provider
When I walk through the valley of the
shadow of death
I know He holds my every breath
For He runs besides me, with me
My God, My Salvation
You gave me strength when I was weak,
You lifted me up when I fell
Even when I forsaken you still loved me unconditionally
There are no words to describe your love
How much you deserve eternal glory and
honor;
You are King of Kings,
Lord of Lords,
The Great ‘I am’
You reign over all
Perfect and Powerful.
I run, my eyes and ears now truly open
How I was I able to miss this before?
Every tree of the forest,
Every bush, flower was praising Him
Singing of joy, for eternity!
On and on! Their praise did not stop
I saw The moon, stars, and planets
testify of His glorious name
Everything created by Him, for Him and for
His glory
Lord, help me answer your call
To run as Apostle Paul
To know You and be Your witness
To spread to Gospel in every chance I
get,
To
be unashamed
To be courageous, unmoved, faithful
To have compassion and love
for my brothers and sisters, my enemies
Even to lay my life for others
No matter the cost, Lord,
To never stop running to You.
I am inspired running on the trails in the nature God has created. Running up
the glorious mountains, the beautiful hill, besides the breathtaking cliffs has
made me feel alive more than ever. I am amazed by what God has created for us
on this earth. I cannot even begin to imagine how heaven will compare. Running
has inspired me to write to this poem. This
poem is about struggling and striving to find God, my purpose, and overcoming
temptations in this life. It is about continuously being thirsty and being
hungry more and more everyday for God and his Word, and people. Even when we fail in sin we have one who
we can cry out to,. His name is Jesus. He will forgive our sins and
give us new life. There is nothing we can do to ever make us worthy. It is only
by grace through faith that we are saved. I have found that running is similar to
the marathon of life on this earth.
Thanks for reading,
God Bless!
