In an astonishing story titled “60-Year-Old Runs 5:26 Mile to Set New Age Group World Record” published by Runner’s World recently, it was reported that Michelle Rohl, a three-time Olympian in race walking, now owns five age group world records on the track.
At 60 years old, Michelle Rohl just added another world record to her growing collection of accolades on the track.
At the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix on January 24, the three-time Olympian placed eighth in 5:26.65 in the masters mile. Running in the middle of the pack for much of the race, Rohl improved on the previous indoor world record for women between the ages of 60 and 64 by more than a second. Sascha Scott, 50, won the race in 5:15.02.
Rohl’s performance in Boston is her fifth age-group world record on the track. She came close to breaking the mile record last weekend in Ithaca, New York, but fell behind in the last quarter mile. This time, she stayed right on pace.
And, you know, as this story shows, staying “right on pace” is extremely important in making it to the finish line. This is true in our spiritual lives as well. Hence the reason Paul said, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Paul knew that we needed the guidance of the Holy Spirit to get us through this life. Which means that he clearly understood that falling behind the Spirit could spell trouble for the believer in the same way that getting ahead of the Spirit could, since they both cause us to get out of step.
You see, living by the Spirit involves keeping in exact step with the Spirit. It involves adjusting our pace to match the pace and direction the Spirit is leading us. In other words, it involves submitting completely to God's way and going in whatever direction He calls us to go, submitting to His timing rather than our own.
In addition, keeping in step with the Spirit means actively following the Holy Spirit's guidance in daily life through consistent prayer, Bible study, worship, yielding our wills, listening for His promptings, and living in a way that honors Him.
And thankfully, in the same way a runner can get back on pace if they’ve fallen behind, a believer can get back in step with the spirit if they have fallen behind as well by turning back to God. You see, just as God called "backsliding Israel" to "return" and was merciful to them when they did, He is still merciful to his children today, promising restoration to all those who sincerely repent and return to Him.
At the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix on January 24, the three-time Olympian placed eighth in 5:26.65 in the masters mile. Running in the middle of the pack for much of the race, Rohl improved on the previous indoor world record for women between the ages of 60 and 64 by more than a second. Sascha Scott, 50, won the race in 5:15.02.
Rohl’s performance in Boston is her fifth age-group world record on the track. She came close to breaking the mile record last weekend in Ithaca, New York, but fell behind in the last quarter mile. This time, she stayed right on pace.
And, you know, as this story shows, staying “right on pace” is extremely important in making it to the finish line. This is true in our spiritual lives as well. Hence the reason Paul said, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Paul knew that we needed the guidance of the Holy Spirit to get us through this life. Which means that he clearly understood that falling behind the Spirit could spell trouble for the believer in the same way that getting ahead of the Spirit could, since they both cause us to get out of step.
You see, living by the Spirit involves keeping in exact step with the Spirit. It involves adjusting our pace to match the pace and direction the Spirit is leading us. In other words, it involves submitting completely to God's way and going in whatever direction He calls us to go, submitting to His timing rather than our own.
In addition, keeping in step with the Spirit means actively following the Holy Spirit's guidance in daily life through consistent prayer, Bible study, worship, yielding our wills, listening for His promptings, and living in a way that honors Him.
It requires us to align our actions, words, and thoughts with God's will rather than our own desires or the world's standards (which are totally contrary to the Lord’s). It's a continuous process of walking against the world to be in complete rhythm with God, matching his cadence and allowing His enabling power to produce fruit in our lives that shows we are running the race for Him, and Him alone.
"Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say: ‘Return, backsliding Israel,’ says the LORD; ‘I will not cause My anger to fall on you. For I am merciful,’ says the LORD; ‘I will not remain angry forever." Jeremiah 3:12 NKJV
So, if that's you today.... if you've found yourself in a backslidden state and out of step with the Spirit, turn from your own ways and turn back to God my friend. Then, from this moment forward, be vigilant in staying right on pace with the Spirit so you'll match Him step for step until you reach the finish line.
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that there is hope for those who have backslidden if they will return to You in sincere repentance. Lord, help us to stay in step with the Spirit that we might not get off track or lead others astray. Help us to be shining examples of what it means to live by the Spirit so we can lead others to the finish line. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!
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