The Greatest Why

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 NKJV

In a timely article titled “How to not DNF a 100-miler” my buddy Ed Green posted yesterday in the group chat that included several crazy ultrarunners getting ready to either run or crew the PST 100 this weekend, the writer sat down with a few seasoned ultrarunners and coaches to get their juiciest words of wisdom to help other runners and especially newbies make it to the finish line. And while all the tips were good, I especially liked “EMBRACE THE SUCK” which was shared by ultrarunner Mark Atkinson, who said that to be successful a runner needed to find their reason for being there, their “why.” He went on to explain what that meant and why it was so important. “You didn’t sign up for a 100-mile slog through the wilderness because you didn’t have anything better to do that weekend. You had a different reason, and harnessing that prior to the race can help your mental fortitude. During those lonely moments on the trail, remember your why and transform it into your mantra that powers you forward. Maybe you’re hoping for a PR; maybe you’re going for the win; or maybe you’re doing this for your family waiting at the finish line. Whatever your why is, stick it in your brain and pull it out when times get tough…”

And you know, as someone who’s been blessed to run many ultras, I can tell you what my “why” is, the only “why” I have…. to shine the light of Christ on the racecourse so that others would be drawn to Him. This is the thought that keeps me pressing on through the dark nights, the pain, the fatigue, and the voices in my head telling me to give up. In those tough moments when I feel like giving up, I say to myself, “Shine bright Melissa! Keep running so that others will see the ‘good work’ you have done by the power of Jesus Christ and ‘glorify your Father in Heaven.’”  Believe it or not, for me, the 99 miles are done for the last one, the one where victory is achieved and His light is displayed for all to see. 

So always make Jesus your “why” my friend. Whether it’s in running or in life, let the thought of making Him known to the lost and bringing Him glory inspire you to press on in the hardest and darkest of times. Shine bright and finish the race set before you, whatever that looks like, so that the lost would see your “good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a God worthy of all our praise, honor, and worship. Give us a heart to do “good works” Lord so that others would see them and glorify You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!