Rejoice in Being the Underdog

“and as those who bore the ark came to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests who bore the ark dipped in the edge of the water (for the Jordan overflows all its banks during the whole time of harvest), that the waters which came down from upstream stood still, and rose in a heap very far away at Adam, the city that is beside Zaretan. So the waters that went down into the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, failed, and were cut off; and the people crossed over opposite Jericho.” Joshua 3:15-16 NKJV

As I began yesterday‘s early morning run, I started to pray that I would not be the only 5:15 pacer for Sundays Bass Pro marathon. As is the case with most pace groups, those of us tasked with getting the runners from the start line to the finish line in the time allotted individually to us are sent out in pairs. That way we can not only help keep the group encouraged, but can encourage one another as we work to ensure a consistent pace. And let me tell you, that encouragement and accountability from a partner is very underrated.

So when my favorite co-pacer, Jody, who I’ve paced with for many years, sent me a text and photo of her feet Wednesday night, I was definitely a little concerned. Several toenails were missing due to her running a 100k race the previous Saturday, and both big toe toebeds where the nail had once been were now red, swollen, and raw. They were so painful in fact that Jody told me that she still could not even put on a pair of shoes. Running 26.2 miles then was probably not going to be an option for her. 

“Oh Lord,” I prayed as I practiced the pace I would need to do the job solo, “I’ll be going into this race as an underdog if there’s no replacement for Jody and I have to do it alone.” As I continued to petition the Lord, He brought to mind a handful of other times when I had stepped up to the start line as an underdog (due to injury, illness, substandard training, or other circumstances) and a handful of other times God stepped in to do what only He could do. Part the waters to get me to the finish line in such a way that I could only say, “Wow God!”

And, you know, the Bible is full of stories of people who were able to do amazing things by the power of God, despite having a slim to little chance of doing them. And these underdog stories (tales of success from people who had a poor chance of success, winning, or achieving some other goal) serve to give us hope today! 

One such story is told In Joshua 3 when the Israelites were preparing to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. They knew they were supposed to cross but there was a problem. The Jordan was at flood stage, overflowing its banks because it was harvest season. The waters were high, the current was strong, and crossing seemed impossible.

Yet God instructed the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant to step into the river despite that. Notice that God didn't stop the waters before they stepped in? It wasn't until the priests' feet actually touched the water that God stopped the river from flowing, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. 

Is that a powerful lesson in faith or what? The priests had to step into the raging waters before they saw God's power at work. They couldn't wait for the circumstances to improve or for the waters to recede before obeying. They had to trust God enough to take that first step.

And the same is true for us today. Sometimes God calls us to move forward when we’re the underdog—when the circumstances seem overwhelming and the outcome is uncertain.

But here’s the deal… Faith isn't waiting for God to remove every obstacle before we move. It's trusting Him enough to step up to the start line expecting Him to move. 

And the best part is this. Although going into a race or any other challenge as an underdog is scary, we not only get to witness God working to overcome the odds but we get to share our story with others. 

So, if you're facing impossible odds today, rejoice and trust God my friend. Because the least likely it looks that something can be done, the more likely people will see that God was the One who did it when it gets done. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You will stack the odds against us for reasons we may never understand this side of heaven. Help us to remember that You are on the throne, You are in control, and You are working all things for our good for Your glory. Help us to trust You when the waters are at flood stage and to step forward in faith,  confident that You will move in such a way that You get the glory. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 
Happy Running!

You Don't Have to Work to Earn God's Love

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1 NIV

In a story published by Time Magazine yesterday titled, "I Thought Running Would Make Me Worthy of Love", Nickademus de la Rosa described the reason he got into ultrarunning--and it's a reason that resonates with a growing number of my fellow ultrarunners. Hence the reason that ultramarathon finishes have roughly tripled since 2010, exceeding 150,000 runners last year, according to UltraRunning magazine.

This is what Nickademus had to say about that:

I understand the appeal. I spent years competing in some of the world’s most difficult endurance races, finding satisfaction and eventually a professional career in seeing how far I could push myself. But as more runners test their limits, I hope they’ll also ask themselves what they need those achievements to prove. For me, winning became a way to feel worthy of love. Every finish line offered reassurance that lasted only until I started worrying about the next race.

It took losing my professional running career to understand why I needed that reassurance so badly. The story began long before I laced up a pair of shoes and entered a race.

Divorce and my parents’ own troubled upbringings made my childhood difficult. As an adult, I can now see that my parents were unable to provide the safe, nurturing, and stable environment a kid deserves.

My young mind came to a conclusion that many children do: I must not be good enough the way that I am. Love, attention, and care, I believed, were all things that you had to earn. As a teenager, I was desperate for the attention I rarely received at home. My grades were good, but not scholarship level; I was on the cross-country team and acted in school plays, but was never the standout star in either.

Despite my best efforts, nothing worked. That is, until I found success in ultrarunning.

At 15 years old, I watched my mother train and complete her first marathon. I was mesmerized. Maybe I could win her affection by doing what I’d seen her do.

Later that year, I crossed the finish line of the San Diego Rock n’ Roll Marathon. I loved the challenge, but I wanted more. Within a few years, I was running my first 50-mile ultramarathon. As part of my senior project, I pledged to run 100 miles around my high school track while fundraising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in honor of a friend who was battling cancer.

The ensuing media coverage was much more than I expected. To be honest, I loved the attention. Suddenly I felt seen by my mom. Again, I wanted more.

At 19, I finished Badwater, a 135-mile race across Death Valley in July. A year later, I flew out to Minnesota and completed the Arrowhead 135, in which I pulled a sled across the frozen landscape for nearly 54 hours. By age 20, I had attempted the Barkley Marathons for the first time, a race so difficult that in its 40-year history, only 20 people had ever officially finished. It would take me two more attempts navigating heinous trails through the hillsides of Tennessee to ultimately finish the race in 2013, becoming finisher 13. Soon I was flying across the world, competing in 200-mile races, and living the life of a professional trail runner. It was everything I could have hoped for: the attention, the praise, the pre-race interviews, and the post-race adulation. And yet a part of me knew that if I didn’t win every race I entered, the worthlessness that I’d kept at bay for so long would drown me.

In 2018, that tidal wave finally came crashing over me. I had been diagnosed with a congenital bicuspid valve in my heart, and the resulting aortic aneurysm meant open-heart surgery.

Just like that, my professional running career was over, and with it went my path to validation. I had lived my whole life up to that point working for my worth; it was never inherent. If I couldn’t achieve results, who was I? Did I even exist? How could I be loved without having earned anything?

And you know, for many of us, the idea that love must be earned started when we were children. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, our parents may have made us feel that their love and approval depended on how well we behaved, how much we accomplished, or how closely we met their expectations. And sadly, those feelings can follow us into adulthood, leaving us believing that our worth is determined by what we do rather than who we are.

But here's the good news. We never had to earn the love of our Heavenly Father, and we never will.

You see, Romans 5:8 tells us, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Did you catch that? God loved us before we ever did anything to deserve His love. In fact, He loved us when we were at our worst. His love wasn't a reward for good behavior or an achievement we had to work toward. It was a gift freely given through Jesus Christ. Amazing right?

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

And if you ever question how valuable you are to God, just look at the cross. The Creator of the universe loved you so much that He sent His only Son to die for you. Not because of what you could accomplish for Him, but because of His great love for you. That's how much you're worth to Him.

Yet how often do we find ourselves trying to prove our worth? We measure our value by our accomplishments, our appearance, our careers, our relationships, or even how much we do for others. And when we fall short of our own expectations, we begin to feel like we're not enough.

But here's the thing. When we place our identity in what we do, our sense of worth will always rise and fall with our performance. When things are going well, we feel valuable. When we fail, we feel worthless. And that's a terrible way to live.

"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

God never intended for us to find our identity in the things of this world. The Bible reminds us that we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works. Notice the order. We are His workmanship first. The good works come afterward. We don't work to become valuable to God. We do good works because we already belong to Him.

And that's an important distinction. Our obedience, service, and good works should flow from our love for God, not from a desperate attempt to earn His love.

So what happens when we finally understand this truth? We stop striving to prove that we're enough and start living with the confidence that, through Christ, we are loved, accepted, and secure. We can pursue the things God has called us to do without allowing our successes or failures to define us.

Does that mean we stop trying to improve ourselves or striving to be the best we can be? Absolutely not! It simply means our motivation changes. Rather than working to earn God's approval, we seek to honor Him with the lives He's given us. We pursue excellence out of gratitude rather than fear of rejection.

And when we stumble, as we all will, we can get back up knowing that our failures have never and will never diminish God's love for us. His grace is sufficient, His mercy is new every morning, and our identity in Christ remains secure.

So today, my friends, I want to encourage you to stop measuring your worth by what you accomplish, what others think of you, or how well you perform. Those things will always change. But God's love never will.

You are not valuable because of what you can do. You are valuable because you were created by God, loved by God, and, through faith in Jesus Christ, called a child of God.

And that's an identity worth holding on to.

So go out and give your best in everything you do today my friend. Not to earn the Father's love, but because you already have it.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we never had to earn Your love, and that there's nothing we could do to ever make You love us less. Lord, help those who are struggling with finding their worth in what they can do to understand that when their identity is in You, they can stop striving and rest in their identity as children of God. Lord, thank You for lavishing Your great love upon us. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.


Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Take Some Advice from "the Experts"

Hello Runner Friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about what's happening in just a few days.... Marathon Weekend!!! Can you believe that it's almost here??? Four more wakeups and you'll be standing at the start line of the Bass Pro Marathon, the Cohick Half Marathon, or the CMC Recycling 5k. 

And if this has you biting your fingernails saying, "Melissa, I don't know if I'm ready!," I'm here to remind you that you're not alone. There are lots of runners (even those who have run long distances before) who feel this way. 

But here’s the deal… feelings aren’t facts. And if you let your feelings rule your mind, you’ll start to view race day with apprehension instead of excitement!

So over the next few days, I encourage you to look back on your training and bring to mind all the long runs you’ve done and remind yourself that you’re ready! This mindset will restore the joy that worry tries to steal.

But knowing that anxiety thrives in uncertainty, I have good news! The world famous Bass Pro Marathon and Cohick Half Marathon Pace Team has generously provided me with some of their best race day tips. These tips from “the experts” are sure to help you further develop your race day game plan and give you the confidence to know that you have what it takes to go the distance. After all, these are the tips they, themselves, have used to successfully make it across the finish line. 

So without further ado, and in no particular order, check out what “the experts” had to say….

You’re already done the work, this is the easy part! Enjoy every second! - Dana Coale, 4:30 Marathon

Dress for 20 degrees warmer than the actual temp. So if it’s 50, dress for 70. Make sure you hydrate & fuel during the race. Don’t go out too fast even though it will be incredibly hard not to. Enjoy the race! - Amanda Snow Doty, 2:15 Half

Wear good socks! It may not be noticeable at lower mileage but “hot” spots can develop at higher mileage. I prefer wool blends especially with potential rain on race day. - Lali - 4:00 Marathon

Best piece of advice I can give is do not let your brain tell you that you can’t do it. If you set a goal and start falling short, don’t give up just make a new goal. - Randy Acklin, 2:00 Half

Start slower than you think you need to, eat more than you think you need to and you'll finish better.  - Paul Maness, 5:30 Marathon

Hydrate early and often. Start slow. Going out to fast and speeding up because you "feel good" will only cost you on the back end. - Erika, 4:00 marathon

FETTUCINE ALFREDO - Adam Irvin, 2:15 Half

Aim for even effort through the race. Don't push too hard early on or you'll burn out. - Steve Barber, 6:00 Marathon

If it's chilly, wear a jacket or long-sleeved shirt you don't want anymore so you can take it off and ditch it to be donated along the way when you get hot. - Brad Crawford, 5:45 Marathon

Don’t try anything new on race day and just enjoy the experience! - Charlie Hungerford, 3:00 Half

I like to watch an inspiring movie or documentary about people that have completed an amazing physical challenge the day before the race. It reminds me that we are capable of unbelievable things. Some of my favorites are “Nyad”, “Unstoppable”, “Race”, “Lorena Light-footed Woman”, and the “Barkley Marathons." - Melissa Nunez, 2:00 Half Marathon

Run your own race. Take in the day but don’t let the day take you. - Ann, 4:45 Marathon

Bank your sleep several days before the race. Nerves and an early start may lead to insufficient sleep on race day.  - Albert, 3:45 Marathon

Start eating and storing extra (good quality) calories spread out over a couple days before the race and don’t try to cram a bunch the night before or morning of the race to avoid a heavy, bloated feeling. Likewise, feed your head and thoughts positively, seeking out good vibes and while running remember, a smile will destroy any negative thought. Relax and have fun. - Wes Logan, 4:00 Marathon

Get everything ready the night before: clothes (dress for what the weather/temps will be like an hour into your run), shoes, food, drink, bib, sunglasses, etc. Unless you have prepared to run negative splits, run even splits and if you feel amazing at mile 11, speed up a bit. If you are nervous or doubtful or just need the encouragement, stick close to a pacer that is running slower than your anticipated finish time. When you feel good, move ahead. This will allow you to play it safe in the beginning and not start too fast. - Shannon Cochran 2:45, Half

Get to the start early - it gives you time to fully take in the race day experience, think about all the training miles leading up to this, and enjoy some time with old and new friends. Have fun and enjoy the reward from all the hard work! - Makayla, 5:45 Marathon

Get to the race ahead of time to meet your pacers. Hydrate well the days leading up and the morning of the race. Don’t try eating something you haven’t before! - Grant, 5:00 Marathon

The most important day is two days before the race. Take the day off or run just enough to loosen up. Make it the day you eat your best carb loading dinner. Eat a lighter carb diet the day before. Race day - join me to run-walk-run, starting easy and keeping a steady pace for the first half of the distance. Then continue to work with the pacers for coaching to your best race experience. Dave (Galloway Coach), 6:00 Marathon

Make friends along the way - Crystal, 4:30 Marathon

You’ve put in the hard work so don’t forget to have fun! - Eric, 2:30 Half

Don't focus on how much you have left but be present in the mile you are in. One mile at a time - Ashley, 4:45 Marathon

Race day is a celebration of a runner’s training! Stay strong, smile and run with gratitude. - Jeff, 1:45 Half

Keep smiling. You’re doing something amazing and you can do hard things. - Amanda, 4:15 Marathon

Encourage others along the way because it will, in turn, encourage you and all those around you. - Larry, 3:00 Half

And there you have it friends! Those are some amazing tips that are sure to help calm your nerves and help you make the most out of race day. But I'd be remiss if I didn't give you a few of my own favorite tips for enjoying my favorite marathon of all time. Hence the reason this is my 17th year of participating in the Bass Pro Fitness Series. I'll be pacing the 5:15 Marathon group with my running buddy Jody Rhodes and we plan on bringing the energy!

*Remind yourself that there will come a day when you can no longer do this. And since today isn't that day, choose joy over what you CAN do rather than what you CAN’T. In other words, don't let comparison steal your joy. Run your best, soak up the scenery, and make a point to practice gratitude along the way. 

*Keep a change of clothes in your car near the finish line. Once your race is over, plan to change clothes quickly (use a blanket to cover up so you can do it in your vehicle) to avoid getting chilled and head back to victory row to watch until the last runner crosses. This has been a tradition of mine (and that of many of the other runners) for a long time and, I'm telling you, cheering on the other runners will bless you and them!

*Last but not least, don't let your passion die. You picked something hard, you worked to see it happen, and you crossed the finish line. Now, set your sights on doing something else that's hard! 

See you soon! Happy Running!

The Benefits of Joining a Group

“Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NKJV

In a story titled “Campaign targets women's fears over night-time running,” the writer said “Running groups are hoping a campaign to make running safer for women after dark can change attitudes.”

Let's Lift the Curfew, which was set up by Sport England, is timed to coincide with the clocks going back. It said its own research suggests 55% of women feel unsafe exercising outdoors alone after dark…

Sarah Knight, a run leader with the Pontesbury Runners, said: "It is difficult because you don't necessarily feel safe on your own running in the dark."

Let's Lift the Curfew encourages women to get involved in organised runs or walks this week to raise awareness of the issues facing women…

Knight said her advice to women was to join a running group and that it was important to keep running during the winter for mental health and wellbeing.

"Joining a running club and having the friendships, the company and people to run with, it's a great thing to do."

And, you know, in the same way being a part of a running group lends to the physical safety of each individual in the group and benefits their mental health and wellbeing, joining a group of believers has the very same benefits but many many more.

You see, as Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 powerfully demonstrates, there is deep spiritual security and operational success in joining a community of believers, something that mirrors the practical necessity and benefits of running in a group.

Think about it… Just as a single runner is highly vulnerable to the physical dangers of navigating a path alone (especially in the dark), an isolated believer faces immense risk on their spiritual journey. Hence the reason Solomon (the wisest man to have ever lived) noted that "two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.” This nugget of wisdom highlights that both running partners and faith communities achieve far greater progress and efficiency through shared effort than anyone could ever accomplish solo. 

The critical element of safety is magnified in the next verse which warns of the misery of falling with no one around to help; in a faith community, just like in a running group, having companions ensures that if you stumble into temptation, injury, doubt, or exhaustion, someone is immediately there to lift you up, offer accountability, and pull you out of danger. 

Furthermore, Solomon observed that the mutual warmth needed to survive a freezing night in the desert (the backdrop of Solomon’s words), illustrated how the collective fire of authentic Christian fellowship keeps our zeal alive when our personal passion begins to flicker under the chilling trials of life. 

Ultimately, verse 12 anchors this bond by showing that while a lone individual is easily overpowered, a unified front of believers can withstand any threat, especially when woven together into a resilient threefold cord centered around God.

So as you can see, joining a local body of believers is a great thing to do. This group of brothers and sisters will not only help illuminate the spiritual path before you, but will provide you with the collective strength, mutual warmth, and spiritual protection necessary to finish the race strong and arrive safely at your final destination.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we weren’t meant to run the Christian race of life solo. Help us to clearly understand this Lord that we not neglect forming groups of fellow believers to help us in our journey to the finish line and to give us opportunities to help them as well. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Stay in the Race, Don't Quit, and Stay Hydrated

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1–2 NKJV

In a story published after Sunday's 51st Marine Corps Marathon yesterday, the writer said, "The Marines staged another of their well-organized marathons as they have since 1975. Nearly 30,000 runners lined up for the starting pistol as Marine Corps Commandant Eric M. Smith fired the starting pistol."

The writer went on to report that the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Carlos Ruiz, gave the marathoners a pre-race pep talk, urging them to "stay in the race, don't quit, and stay hydrated."

And, you know, as both a runner and a running coach, I can tell you that those three simple instructions are exactly what it takes to finish a 26.2 mile race. Stay on the course, refuse to give up when things get hard, and continually replenish your body with the fluids it needs to keep going.

And you know what? Those same three instructions are exactly what it takes for us to finish the spiritual race God has called each of us to run.

Stay in the race. Hebrews 12:1 tells us to run with endurance the race God has set before us. Notice that Scripture doesn't tell us to run someone else's race or change course when ours becomes difficult. We're called to faithfully follow the path God has laid out for us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus the entire time. And just as runners must stay on the marked course to reach the finish line, we must stay on the path God has given us through His Word, refusing to let the distractions and temptations of this world lead us astray.

Don't quit. Galatians 6:9 reminds us, "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." Every marathoner knows there will be moments when quitting seems easier than continuing. And the same is true in life. In fact, Jesus warned us in John 16:33, "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." Notice that Jesus didn't say we might have trouble. He said we will. It's not a matter of if difficulties will come then, but when. And just as runners prepare their bodies and minds for the challenges they'll face during a marathon, we must prepare ourselves spiritually for the trials we know will come. 

Stay hydrated. Just as a runner needs water to keep going (it’s a non-negotiable), we need Jesus to sustain us through the race of life (also a non-negotiable). In John 4:14, Jesus said, "But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst." But here's the thing. We can get so busy with life that we neglect spending time with the very One who gives us life. We wouldn't expect to finish a marathon without stopping at the water stations along the way, so why would we expect to make it through life's challenges without stopping to spend time with Jesus? 

Through daily prayer, reading His Word, and seeking His presence, we draw closer to Him and find the peace, wisdom, and strength we need to keep going. And while the living water Jesus gives us satisfies our deepest spiritual thirst forever, we must make the choice each day to draw near to Him. Because the closer we walk with Jesus, the better equipped we'll be to finish the race He's set before us.

And here's the thing. None of these instructions are complicated. But they do require discipline, commitment, and consistency.

But the best part is this.. We don't have to run this race by ourselves. Jesus is not only the One who shows us the way, but He's also the One who gives us the strength to finish.  Amazing, right? 

So whatever mile of life you're in today, whether you're feeling strong or struggling to put one foot in front of the other, remember these three simple instructions my friend… Stay in the race. Don't quit. Stay spiritually hydrated. And above all, keep your eyes on Jesus. This is the only way to be sure that you’ll make it to the end. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us everything we need to finish our spiritual race of life. Lord, help us to remember that it all comes down to trusting You to meet all our needs so that we can continue running without slowing down to worry whether we will have the ample physical and spiritual strength to do it. Help us to run with all our might, to do good to others along the way, and to take in the Word constantly knowing that it's the only thing that can nourish our souls, so that we can finish the race, keep the faith, and bring You glory. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Be Ready to Stand Alone

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13 NKJV

In a story published by Outkick yesterday, it was reported that a courageous high school cross-country runner named Elise Bierer made the difficult decision to walk away from the starting line of a district championship race rather than compete against a male athlete competing in the girls’ division.

There was no group to stand with her in solidarity. No teammate to lean on.

We've seen other girls cross country runners in Washington state walk off the start line in protest of having to compete against a boy, but Elise Bierer was the first to do it all by herself.

It happened Wednesday during the Greater St. Helens League District Meet, where a runner for Camas High was competing as a girl after starting the year racing against the boys. And when the gun went off for the women's varsity race, Bierer walked off the line toward her mother, Sheona, who embraced her tearful daughter.

While her decision meant ending her season, what stood out to me most was something the writer said about the preparation behind it.

“But as her mom explained, Bierer had been anticipating a moment like this for a couple of years, and was prepared to stand — or more precisely, walk — on principle.”

Did you catch that? She was prepared to stand!

Bierer hadn’t waited until she was standing at the starting line to decide what she believed or how she would respond. She had already considered what she would do if that moment came. And when it did, she was ready to stand 

And there’s a powerful lesson here for us as Christians.

In Ephesians 6:13, Paul tells believers to put on the whole armor of God so that when (not if) the day of evil comes, we will be able to stand firm. Notice that he doesn’t tell us to wait until the battle begins to start getting ready? He tells us to prepare beforehand.

Think about it. As runners, we would never expect to show up at the starting line of a marathon without training and expect to run well. We spend months preparing our bodies and our minds for the challenges we know are coming. And when those challenges come, we rely on the strength, endurance, and discipline we developed during training.

Our spiritual lives are no different.

You see, we can’t expect to stand firm in our faith when we’re suddenly faced with temptation, opposition, fear, or pressure to compromise if we haven’t been preparing ourselves through daily Bible reading, prayer, and obedience to God’s Word.

That’s why putting on the armor of God must be a daily practice. We need to know God’s truth before we’re confronted with lies. We need to develop our faith before it’s tested. And we need to determine that we will obey God before obedience becomes uncomfortable or costly.

Because let me tell you what…. The middle of a battle is not the time to figure out what you believe.

So, here’s my challenge to you today my friend. Don’t wait until your faith is tested to decide whether you will stand firm. Spend time in God’s Word. Pray. Examine your heart. And make the daily choices that will strengthen your relationship with Jesus. 

Because the time to prepare for the battle is before the battle comes. The time to prepare is now. So that when that day arrives, we may be found fully equipped, firmly planted in God’s truth, and ready to stand, even if it means we stand alone. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us everything we need to stand firm on the truths laid out in the Bible. Give us the strength to stand against the lies of this world Lord that we might not compromise on the Truth, no matter what it costs us. Help us to remember that, at the end of the day, we are seeking the approval of God and not of men that we might not be concerned with the consequences of standing up for what’s right. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Break Forth in Joy

“Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.” Psalm 98:4 NKJV

Early yesterday, after reading Psalm 98 during my daily Bible study, I headed out for my morning run with the words of this beautiful song of praise still on my mind.

As I ran, I found myself meditating, once again, on the goodness of God. His mercy. His faithfulness. His grace. And the incredible gift of salvation that we have through Jesus Christ.

My time spent in the Word was such a beautiful reminder that there's always a reason to rejoice! You see, the psalmist calls us to sing a new song to the Lord because of the marvelous things He has done. He reminds us that God has made His salvation known, revealed His righteousness, and remained faithful to His promises. And because of that, we are called to praise Him!

Not quietly. Not reluctantly. But joyfully!

In fact, verse four tells us to “break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.” 

And that's exactly what I found myself doing as I listened to CeCe Winans Holy Forever. It's a song that I listen to nearly every day and yet each time I listen to it, the realization that God is gooder than He was the day before always makes me delight myself in Him, and causes my heart to overflow with joy. 

“If you've been forgiven and if you've been redeemed

Sing the song forever to the Lamb
If you walk in freedom and if you bear His name
Sing the song forever to the Lamb
Sing the song forever and amen
And all the angels cry, holy
All creation cries, holy

You are lifted high, holy
Holy forever
Hear your people sing, holy
To the King of kings, holy
And You will always be, holy
Holy forever”

As I ran past a few houses, the words of the song reminded me, once again, of the forgiveness, redemption, and freedom we have through Jesus Christ. And I couldn't help but sing along! And apparently I wasn't singing quietly!

I was singing so loudly and joyfully, in fact, that when I glanced over, I noticed an older woman standing in her yard looking up to see what all the commotion was.

I simply smiled and kept running. And kept singing!

Because at that moment, I wasn't concerned about what anyone thought of me. I was too busy thinking about what Jesus had done for me!

And that got me thinking.

How often do we hold back our praise because we're worried about what other people might think?

The phrase “break forth” in Psalm 98:4 paints a picture of joy that simply cannot be contained. It's an expression of praise that comes from a heart so overwhelmed by God's goodness that it naturally spills out.

And shouldn't that be the way we live?

Think about it. We serve a God who loved us enough to send His only Son to die for our sins. A God who offers forgiveness we could never earn, grace we don't deserve, and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

If that isn't something worth singing about, I don't know what is!

And the beautiful thing about Psalm 98 is that the call to worship doesn't stop with us. The psalmist describes the seas roaring, the rivers clapping their hands, and the hills rejoicing together before the Lord. All creation is pictured celebrating the King who reigns in righteousness and who will one day judge the earth with perfect fairness.

What a beautiful reminder that our joy isn't based on our circumstances but on who God is and what He has done.

You see, we don't have to wait until everything in our lives is going right to praise Him. We can rejoice in the middle of our struggles because His goodness doesn't change. His promises don't change. And His love for us doesn't change.

And when we truly understand that, our praise becomes more than something we do on Sunday mornings. It becomes a natural response to the God we love and serve.

Does that mean we have to run down the street singing at the top of our lungs? Of course not! But it does mean that we shouldn't allow fear, embarrassment, or the opinions of others to keep us from expressing our love for Jesus.

After all, if we can get excited about a football game, a race finish, or any number of temporary things, how much more should we celebrate the eternal victory we have through Christ?

So today, I want to encourage you to spend some time thinking about the goodness of God. Think about where He's brought you from, what He's brought you through, and the promises He's made about where you're going.

And then praise Him!

Sing in your car. Worship on your walk. Thank Him throughout your day. And don't be afraid to let others see the joy you have in Jesus.

Because when we truly grasp how much we've been forgiven and how deeply we've been loved, we have every reason to break forth in joy!

And who knows? Someone might just look up to see what all the commotion is about. And that might be the very opportunity God gives us to point them to Jesus.

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us so many reasons to praise You. Lord, cause us to remember that Your mercies are new every morning that we might see that Your goodness is never-changing and becomes more apparent the more we seek You. Help us to understand what a great gift of salvation has been given to us that we might break forth in joy and song in response. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 
Happy Running!