We are all runners

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14

Many times runners won't admit to being a "runner" because they don't feel they look like one. Well... what does a runner look like anyway? I consider myself a runner but I certainly don't fit the stereotype. I am not rail thin and my legs certainly aren't long. I don't let that stop me though, and I hope you won't either. I pray you will, instead, choose to see yourself as God sees you... wonderfully made! No matter what shape, size or weight you are, if you have the items listed below then... Congratulations! You look like a runner.

1. Legs - Legs that propel you down the road or path (whether assisted or not) are the first part of your runner’s body. It doesn’t matter if they’re long and lean or strong and muscular. It doesn’t matter if your thighs rub together or not. It especially does not matter if you require the use of prosthetics. You HAVE a runner’s body.

2. Lungs- Do your lungs pump oxygen throughout your body? Have you either perfected your breathing pattern while you run or are working towards it? This vital process is foremost necessary to live, but the productivity with which it occurs helps you become an efficient runner, therefore giving you a runner’s body.

3. Brain- Your brain functions to send and receive signals all over your body. It starts with telling one foot to lift and move, and then the other foot follows. Next, a more extraordinary thing happens, and a stronger signal is sent over and over again telling your runner’s body to keep pushing: don’t give up; you’re getting stronger; you can do this; you will succeed.

4. Heart- Gene Hackman’s line in The Replacements says it all: “You’ve got to have heart. Miles and miles of heart.” So, most importantly, does your heart tell you that you’re a runner? Your heart is what tells you that you have a runner’s body.

http://runhaven.com/2014/11/07/runners-body/

1 Samuel 16:7 tells us this, "The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." So, whether you have a 7 minute pace or a 15 minute pace, are 200 pounds or 105 pounds... if you have legs, lungs, a brain and a heart, you are a runner. And if you have a heart for Jesus too, you are a Christian runner. 

Heavenly Father, help us to see ourselves as you see us....fearfully and wonderfully made. Help us to celebrate our differences and embrace them as different ways to glorify You. Help us to run the good race knowing full well that we are Christian runners no matter how the world views us. May we lift up your name with every breath and every step we take and give you all the praise when we cross the finish line. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

You make beautiful things - Gungor Lyric

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1spkhp41ig4