Yesterday I was able to run for the first time in several months. I think I have run maybe 4 or 5 miles total since July. So as a part of this therapy to break down things I was told to run a few miles every other day . Last night I went out for a one miler. Everything felt odd – even my shoes. Every step was uncomfortable – not really because of pain, it just did not feel right. It was just plain awkward.
So here we are on the 11th day of the new year. Many of you are trying new things, many of you are working to change and transform yourself. And you are probably sitting in a time where you feel really awkward and uncomfortable with what you are doing. That is how it is when we get out of our comfort zone. It’s just plain awkward.
But here is what I know – the more I get out there on the roads, the comfort will return, and the growth and strength will return as well.
I think it’s no wonder that Paul equates the Christian life with one of a runner. Because each day, we must continue to push, continue to change, continue to train, continue to stretch our comfort zones, and we will see change.
Change – not to achieve something, but change that happens ‘in view of His Mercies” that brings glory to the father.
Keep it up.
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 New International Version (NIV)