"Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel." Philippians 4:6,7 (CEV)
84-year-old Jules Winkler from Medford, New York ran his 41st marathon on April 18th. Of being able to run that far at his age he reported that, with a little luck and some common sense, all of us can enjoy a long and healthy running life. And one of his biggest tips for doing so? Stop stressing. He explained that putting too much pressure on himself to race well only left him discouraged. But when he finally gave his running a new and better purpose (fund-raising was that purpose) he became grateful for every finish no matter the time. He went on to say that, "Completing a marathon at any speed is an accomplishment."
Stop stressing. That's wonderful advice for all ages isn't it? In a world full of deadlines, duties and crazy schedules how can we do that though? The bible gives us this answer, "Don't worry about anything, but pray about everything." Oh I love that part and it gets better, "With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God." When we do this, when we give to God the things we can't handle or stress about, he gives us this amazing promise, "Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel." This peace comes from knowing that God is in control! No matter what is happening around us, He is with us. Since we belong to Christ, our destiny is set and we have victory over our fears, worries and anxiety.
So what do you find yourself worried about today? Is there any problem or situation too big for God? Of course not. So stop stressing.
Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you would allow us to approach the throne with our stresses, worries and heartaches. Help us to come to you as a first response rather than a last resort that we might avoid the anxiety and unrest stress places on the body and mind. And help us to be grateful in any situation knowing that You are in control. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen,
Happy Running!!!
Karen Wheaton - Look what the Lord has done
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