"The LORD himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night." Psalm 121:5-6
The Heart of America Marathon in Columbia, MO is described by the Columbia Track Club as "one of the oldest and toughest courses in America". With some of the biggest hills a person could ever encounter in a marathon, I would have to agree with that. And with the forecast of 90 degrees and above predicted for yesterday's race, my friends and I were sure it was going to be even tougher. With a 6:00 am start, we ran the first few miles by the dim light of the rising sun. As it soon revealed it's full form, what a relief it was to see that we had cloud cover... sweet, beautiful and shielding cloud cover for 26.2 miles.
Thousands of years ago (think Old Testament times), one of the chief dangers for pilgrims and travelers was the heat of the sun. Without any protection, they could easily succumb to the effects of its rays and become sick or even die as they traveled through lonely country to their destination. How it brought a smile to my face to think that God is still providing shade to those He loves today. In fact, the bible tells us that the Lord himself watches over us.
As Christians, we too are pilgrims in this world on a pilgrimage to our final destination. But until you and I reach that place, it's crucial that we trust God to lead us there safely. He has promised that the "sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night." In other words, God's watching over you and me ... 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Isn't that awesome to know?
Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you would watch over us each day. While we may not understand why we are allowed to encounter trials, sickness and heartache in this world, help us to remember that You will never leave us and will lead us to our final destination if we will continue to trust You. When we are alone or afraid, please remind us that You are watching over us day and night. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org
Shelter me - Bruce Carroll
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| Blessed to run with two of my dearest friends |
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| My friend, Sherry, completed her first marathon at HOA |
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