I recently started training for a half marathon. I’ve always been a runner and got super pumped when I met a friend here who holds the same pace as me. I don’t have to do this alone, thank God!
Here’s the thing, I have always been terrified to join running clubs or teams because I’m not the fastest runner. In fact, the past few years, I’ve been on the slower end. I immediately get discouraged and just count myself out and run on my own.
Before, you say, oh that’s no reason not to join a group! I know this but there is more. Here’s the catch, I get discouraged very easily when I am left behind. When I am running with a group and am left behind I will absolutely talk myself out of pushing myself. Which leads to walking if I get too tired. Just ask my husband. ha! He tells me all the time I sell myself short when I run on my own and he’s not wrong. Bless that man.
Do you see my dilemma though? I REALLY want to push myself, in order for that to happen right now I need accountability, BUT I won’t join a club because I don’t want to get left behind. It’s a never-ending cycle that I’m working on you guys.
Side note: That cycle is starting to end because the Lord delivered me a partner that runs the same pace as me! baby steps y’all!
Anyway, I was thinking about this during my run this morning. This cycle that I am in when it comes to my running. All I could think was, “Thank you God that you don’t do that to me.”
You see, this is one of the many reasons why I LOVE the Lord so much. He refuses to leave me behind no matter what pace I’m going with him. He sees whats in front of me and he stays with me. During those times I choose to walk, he walks with me and stays there until I’m ready to run again. He patiently waits with me and for me when I just stop. He knows when to push me and he knows when to give me rest.
My walk with the Lord has not been a fast one or an easy one. In fact it has been the exact opposite one. It has been a slow and difficult one. There have been times when I get discouraged yet still he stays with me. Last year was a tough one for my family. My heart was shaken way too many times for me to count. There were times that I ran with the Lord and times where I walked. Despite the struggles that we went through, God never left me or my family behind. He stayed. He lingered. He prompted. He paved THE way.
No matter what happens in your walk today just know, God does not leave you behind. It is said over and over in scripture that he does not leave you or forsake you. Guys it is said multiple times, you think he wanted us to know that no matter what, he’s got us? I think that would be an accurate statement.
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
Deuteronomy 31:8
I could tell you that one day I pray I am able to push myself in my running on my own but I’m not quite sure I want that. Right now, its serving as a sweet reminder of what God does for me that I could never do myself. He keeps pace with me, always. And I really like that.
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