Be the first to make a move

"Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work." Nehemiah 2:17-18 NIV

Runner's World Magazine recently posted an article that really caught my attention titled, "The Members of the Thick Boys Running Club Have Lost a Combined 350 Pounds and Counting," with the subtitle, "Four football coaches in North Carolina started running together last summer, and they have inspired people all over the state." It seems these four football coaches from Lake Norman High School, who were all former college football players and had struggled with their weight after their playing days were over, had wanted to lose weight for years. Jay Keener (345 pounds), 40, the school’s athletic director and football coach, was the first to make a move though. Keener started on the track by running through the straights and walking the curves. A week later, he recruited offensive coordinator Sean Fitzgerald (284 pounds) to join him. Very soon afterwards, head coach Jonathon Oliphant (278 pounds) and defensive coordinator David Johnson (365 pounds) joined the newly formed club to run daily laps around the track. The Thick Boys Running Club said they plan to grow their group in the future. And they not only organized a 5k race to raise money for local charities, but are motivating other men to make positive changes. Is that awesome or what? And it's all because one person was the first to make a move.

And you know, as this story shows, it's amazing what can happen when one person sees something that needs to be done and, rather than waiting for someone else to do it, makes the first move. Nehemiah was a person like that. Upon hearing that the walls of his beloved Jerusalem had been broken down and its gates burned, Nehemiah left his comfortable position in Persia and returned to his homeland to rally the troops to "rebuild the wall of Jerusalem." And because of Nehemiah's courage and willingness to make the first move, "they replied, 'let us start rebuilding'" and the good work was begun and completed in an astounding time of only 52 days. Is that awesome or what?

So don't ever be afraid to make the first move on anything my friend. Be courageous and willing to step out in faith to do whatever the Lord is calling you to do, trusting Him to give you the resources, strength, and ability to do it. And then be ready to sit back and say, "Is God awesome or what?" 

Heavenly Father, thank You for those people who are willing to step out to attempt the impossible in your Name. They inspire us and those around us to do the same. Lord please help us to see where there is a need and then to see a way to fill that need regardless of the consequences or the obstacles. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Make a move - Royal Tailor