Don't back down

“They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, "Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed." But I prayed, "Now strengthen my hands.’” Nehemiah 6:9 NIV

"Good morning Dave," I said to my friend upon answering the phone early Saturday morning. "What's happening?" I then asked, anxious to hear the status of the flooding on the trail we were scheduled to be hosting a run on later that evening. Dave, my friend who is also our race timer, then said, "The trails are flooded in and out. We either have to reschedule, cancel or find a different location. There's no way we're getting in there. It’s still raining and the river hasn't even crested." "Hmmmm...." came my reply knowing in my heart that canceling or rescheduling was not an option. "Give me a few minutes to make some calls." And you know, by God's grace, within 30 minutes we had gotten the approval of the City Administrator to use the meeting room at the city’s aquatic center as an aid station that just so happened to be near a paved road that served as our new 3.4 mile route. And guess what? The rain stopped before the event began and we were blessed with nearly perfect running weather. Amazing, right?

And you know, as this story illustrates, when you and I set out to do God's work—in this case to host a free 12-hour ultra as both an outreach project and a fundraiser for a local charity—we will always encounter opposition; whether it be from people, random circumstances or nature, it's just a fact. But as Nehemiah knew, our reaction should never be to throw our hands up in despair or to cower down in fear thinking we are "too weak for the work," but to, instead, pray for the strength to rise up to those challenges and overcome them. 

So no matter what opposition you might be facing today, don't back down my friend. Doing so will not only defer or destroy the plan God has for you but could affect countless others who are counting on you to be strong and press on despite any resistance. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that our decisions affect others. Had Nehemiah given in to fear, the wall would not have been built and countless people would have suffered because of it. Had Dave or I thrown in the towel, the race would not have happened and many runners would have been disheartened and let down. So in the face of opposition Lord, we ask that You strengthen our hearts and hands so that we might complete the task You have called us to do. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!! 

Blanca - Not backing down