"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14
Saturday, October 4, was the first Frog Hill Half Marathon presented by TEAM 413 (Pulaski County group). And what a day it was! With over 200 runners and a huge group of volunteers, the race began at 8:30 a.m. after a prayer and the national anthem.
The course was one of the harder half marathons in the state (we were told) with some big hills but, when you're in the Ozarks, you either embrace them or banish yourself to the dreaded treadmill. This group of runners chose to divide and conquer the hill, aka Superior Hill, and all but one of the starters finished. Their finishing times were as different and unique as the reasons they chose to train for this race, start it and (persevere to) finish it. How I love to hear the stories of God's grace in people's lives! So many of them included this phrase, "I never thought I could do this", or "I thought I was too (fill in the blank) to ever complete a half marathon". But, as they learned, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13, they realized that "strengthens me" not only means physical strength but spiritual and emotional as well. Running has a way of healing brokenness and putting the pieces of a shattered life back together again. So many times, God uses running to humble even the most proud. Whether you have a 5 minute or 15 minute mile pace, there are times in training for your goal that you will experience doubt, defeat and a need for direction. It's in those quiet times, with only the sound of your footsteps and breathing, that God can finally speak to you, "...but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper." 1 Kings 19:12.
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| Eric Newman crossing the finish line |
And running for some is a way to thank God for the great things He has done. In so many races, I have encountered people running after being healed from an illness or delivered from a bad situation. This race was no different. Eric Newman celebrated his one year anniversary of being cancer free at our race. His wife, Jennifer, ran her first half that day too! What a testimony to the power of Christ!
My favorite part of any good story is the ending which is when the last runner crosses the finish line. Most times (not on this day) the crowd has left and they cross to the cheers of a few faithful onlookers. These are the runners that know the true meaning of perseverance. These are the runners that show the meaning of "pressing on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called" you and me "heavenward in Christ Jesus." May we follow the example and finish the race at all costs!
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| The last runners crossing the finish line. |
Heavenly Father, thank You for being present with us at the Frog Hill race and every day in our lives. You are worthy to be praised and glorified in all we do. Thank You for the opportunity to do that through the gift of running and walking. Lord, I pray that you would bless all those that participated and that they would come to know You more. May we all strive to share your love in all we do and help others to do the same. Thank you Jesus, thank You, thank You. In your precious name we pray, Amen.
www.team413.org
Press on - Building 429
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