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August 10, 2010Parable of the Runner
A lesson in finishing well
TweetBefore I registered three months ago for the Chicago Marathon, I could only run 3 miles. This weekend I ran 20! Jesus would have loved marathon training. It’s ripe with potential parables. For instance, if Jesus had been running with us on Saturday, he could have told this story:
A woman named Rachel struggled with muscle cramps that forced her to slow her pace. Although her three running mates were eager to finish the last 5 miles of their 20 mile run, they knew that Rachel’s struggle could easily be their own. The group slowed to match Rachel’s pace to insure that she made it the whole distance, even though this would mean their own running time would be compromised. In the end, Rachel ran the full 20 miles, crossing the finish line with her running mates alongside her.
If a 20 mile run has taught me anything it’s that human beings are not designed to go the distance alone. The apostle Paul exhorts us to run the race laid out before us and to finish well. The surest way to accomplish this is to run with others. Whether you’re trying to run a 26.2 mile race or make it through the next 26.2 minutes, having a friend to encourage you can mean the difference between calling it quits and finishing well.
On October 10, I'll be running the Chicago Marathon on behalf of World Vision. I'm running the race to raise money for wells and water filtration systems for people in Africa who have never had access to clean water. You can help me finish well by contributing to this worthwhile cause. To learn more about my marathon run with World Vision, go to http://twv.convio.net/goto/marianliautaud
What about you? When have friends helped you finish well?
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Comments
i appreciate the good jod you're doing, may God continue to strengthens you.
Posted By: samuel adedayo | August 14, 2010 4:51 AM
I have friends who are encouraging me on my journey to my new career all the time, reminding me that failure is just a learning experience and success isn't just a destination.
Posted By: HC | August 29, 2010 8:30 AM
I am in a difficult marriage; have been running a ministry for 5 years and just began building a new career this summer in life and leadership coaching. I also have 3
children, two of which are teenagers.
Before I went into your blog, I just whispered to the Lord that 'this race I'm running is not meant to be run alone'. I am getting a little tired and feel quite overwhelmed sometimes. But your blog was God's way of telling me I'm not alone.
Thank you.
Posted By: Lara Ejizu | September 1, 2010 11:48 AM