The Race That Turned into War

“I can’t do it! “I cried. “Once again something I’ve lost everything I trained for. Six months of training in the trash!”.

Injuries, illnesses and now plantar fasciitis had plagued me from the moment I signed up for my second half marathon.

“I can barely get out of bed; I can’t wear my regular shoes and the race is a couple of months away.”

I limped out of my car as my friend, running partner and pastor’s wife listened patiently.

She smiled warmly and looked me in the eye.

“And you’ll let the enemy take that away from you again?”

Her words pierced my heart with loving conviction.

“Ok,” I mumbled trying to convince myself. “I’ll give it another try.”

I went home and checked the training schedule for the following day. It called for nine miles.

“Lord, if you help me finish it, I’ll sign up for race. ”

Early the next morning I grabbed my water, my iPod and my newly discovered determination and headed to the local park.

After the sixth mile my foot started to throb, but instead of stopping I slowed down and decided to take a wooded trail. I tried to focus on the beauty of the fall foliage and cool weather, but my legs where not cooperating.

Something caught my eye on the ground. It was a thick, black snake laying across the trail right in front of me.

I was faced with one of my greatest fears.

As if propelled by a jet engine I jumped over the monster and bolted down the trail.

My legs were so energetic I could’ve qualified for the Boston Marathon.

“Please protect me Lord! Get me out of here!”

After what seemed like an eternity, I found my way out of the wooded trail. Adrenaline was pumping so hard I broke my personal record for the nine miles.

I sat in the car for a while, recovering from the trauma and thanking God for protecting me.

I drove home feeling strong and proud. I searched for the race’s website and my hand shook as I pressed the “register” button.

I continued to train with my pastor’s wife and her friend, who encouraged me more than they’ll ever know.

I signed up for a race that started as a fun challenge but unexpectedly turned into a war.

A war against my body, against my fears, and against time.

I proved once again that God’s promises are true and that regardless of how weak or unprepared, I know that-

“I can do all things in Christ who gives me strength.”

Give it a try…What He did for me He can do for you too!