Last week I ran one of the hardest runs of my life physically and mentally.  Most of the battle took place before my running shoes were even laced up. My wife and I were on a cruise in the Carribean between Honduras and Belize. One night, the waves were cresting at around 21ft. I cannot tell you how thankful I was that I had made the decision years earlier not to join the Navy!

The boat swayed and rocked so much so that you would it looked like people were performing a dance routine in unison as they walked and tried to keep from falling.  I was planning to be strong and take it head on, but my stomach waged an all out strike at the idea.  We made it back to our room and I dove for the bed. I trusted in a good night sleep for the night fully anticipating to be better in the morning

I woke early; ready for my last run on the ship.  I stepped out of bed and quickly realized my bout with the waves was not over.  I tried twice to push through and finally on the third try, I made my way to deck 13 where the running track was.

As I began to run, I noticed some things right off the bat.  First, I started feeling better as soon as I took off.  Scientifically it made sense that if I was running, I was in the air more often and not feeling the ground move beneath my feet.

The day also happened to be incredibly windy.  When I would make my turn I was met with 40mph wind.  While this was a challenge, running also made this section of track pass more quickly.  Had I walked I would have been a mess between the wind and waves.

As I reflected, I realized that sin parallels with sea sickness.  It’s something that is internal and corrupts our ability to perform the most basic of functions.  We must throw it off and run.  When our eyes are fixed on Christ, and our feet are running, we can stay steady even when the “ship is rocking”.  When the wind blasts in our face, we will still make progress for the kingdom of God if we press on.

Reflection

What things are most likely to rock your boat?

What’s holding you back from the decision to run?

Make your mind up to run the race He has set before you, even when you’re not feeling it!

Prayer

Gracious Father, you have instructed us to run with good reason. Help us to fix our eyes on Jesus and run steady in the storms while we carry out the ministry of reconciliation.  Thank you for your life lessons in everything.  We love You and lift these in Jesus’ name!