You're an Overcomer

You're an Overcomer

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6

As you probably know the 2014 Boston Marathon is now exactly two weeks away.   Whether you will be participating in it or watching it, you will see many female runners (47% of women per runningusa.org).  In fact, females in the sport of running are so commonplace, most of us don't realize that before 1967, no female had ever run the Boston Marathon.  Women didn't run marathons then... period.  Common thinking at the time was that women were fragile and running 26.2 miles would do damage to their reproductive organs or their fragile frames.   Crazy thinking huh?  Times have sure changed.  Thank God!

AP Photo

Forty-six years ago, Katherine Switzer was the first woman to ever run in the Boston Marathon.  While there weren't any rules from prohibiting her from entering, it was pretty clear that women weren't welcome on the course.  To avoid detection, she even registered for the race using only her initials, K.W..  As a 19 year old journalism major at Syracuse University, this woman had guts.  When officials noticed a woman in the race, they launched an ugly attack -- which today is one of the most famous moments in the race's 116-year history -- to get her off the course.  As you can see in the pictures, these people were very angry that a woman would dare to run.  

She was attacked within two miles of the race but she didn't give up.  Though she was probably angry and perhaps embarrassed, she made a choice to keep running.  Whether she knew it or not, God had a purpose for her.  She persevered and was the first woman to complete the Boston Marathon.  I don't know if she was then or is now a Christian, but that doesn't really matter.  Proverbs 16:9 says that, "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps."  God was then always will be in control.  The important thing is that, through the action of this one woman, women everywhere are free to run the race.  And, for christian women, that means free to to be a witness there.  Whatever race or distance you're running though, male or female, may you be as determined in the pursuit of the goal-reaching the lost and sharing the Word.  

In the words of Mandisa, "Stay in the fight til the final round, you're not going under cause God is holding you right now.  You might be down for a moment, feeling like it's hopeless but that's when He reminds you, you're an overcomer."  

                         

Heavenly Father, thank you for your presence in our lives.  May we have strength and determination as we "run the good race" and strive to share Your gift of salvation with those we meet-whether that be on the race course, or at the grocery store or our workplace.  Help us to overcome any obstacles we may face in our pursuit of that goal.  In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running!!!