"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
Patriots Day to a runner means only one thing... the Boston Marathon. Every year since 1897, runners have dreamed of one day lining up at Main Street in Hopkinton, Massachusetts to run 26.2 miles alongside thousands of other runners through the streets of Boston. And today will be no different as 30,000 runners will participate in the 119th running of the "coveted" Boston Marathon. While most participants will simply enjoy running the race they worked so hard to get to, Meb Keflezighi will be competing to win yet again. In 2014, he became the first American to win the Boston Marathon in 30 years. And his outspoken love for Christ has won the hearts of thousands of Christian runners since. His social media pages loudly proclaim what he believes, " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Meb was one of 11 children in a family that came to the United States in 1987 from war-torn Eritrea. He began running while in junior high school and discovered that he could run fast. When asked about his running he said, "My God-given talent was discovering when I could run 5:20. Not everyone can run 5:20. ... I was definitely gifted, but I have to work hard." Hard work and faith in God is what brings him to Boston once again. In an interview prior to the race, he said this, "Regardless of where we finish, in the marathon, we all go the same journey. Whether we’re different genders, different ethnicities, we are all runners.”
Meb was one of 11 children in a family that came to the United States in 1987 from war-torn Eritrea. He began running while in junior high school and discovered that he could run fast. When asked about his running he said, "My God-given talent was discovering when I could run 5:20. Not everyone can run 5:20. ... I was definitely gifted, but I have to work hard." Hard work and faith in God is what brings him to Boston once again. In an interview prior to the race, he said this, "Regardless of where we finish, in the marathon, we all go the same journey. Whether we’re different genders, different ethnicities, we are all runners.”
Yes, we are all runners. Whether we run a 5 minute mile or a 13 minute mile, we are all runners. Whether we have been to Boston or only dream about it, we are all runners. Whether we have run 3 miles or 26.2 miles, we are all runners. Whatever gift we have been given though, let us use it to glorify God and to be a witness to those around us. Let us all be Christian runners. Oh, and won't you join me in saying "Go Meb!" as we praise God's name here and in Boston today.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the blessings you have given us. Thank you for the gift you have given us that allows us to be a witness for you, whatever that gift might be. Help us to remember that you have chosen and designed each of us specifically for the race that we will run today. Give us the strength today and every day, Lord, to do all things that we may glorify you through them. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
All things through Christ - Ernest Pugh
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