Chilly Cheeks Challenge (how great is this name?:))… marks my first 10 mile race. Last weekend my friend and running buddy, Julie went to Hermitage, PA to run the race. Jesse, James (Julie’s husband) and their children were there to cheer us on! We could not have asked for better weather… sunny and absolutely beautiful! I had so much fun! It was so neat to be running with so many other people… running, enduring, encouraging one another. As I was running, and at times felt like I wanted to just stop, I couldn’t help but think of how much running is such an incredible picture of our relationship with the Lord.
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the thrown of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
In those moments in life when we feel like hope may not be near, that we just want to give up… In those moments, He is our strength. He is running with us, rooting and cheering us on… so that we may look to Him and know where our strength to endure, to persevere comes from. He wants our hearts to rest in Him, in the strength and life that only He can give. And perseverance, although not always easy, reveals more of who God is, and that He is enough. There is purpose in the process, in the journey. I am thankful that I do not run aimlessly…
This is Julie and I before the race!:) Julie is an incredible gardener, and she shares all about her gardens and so much more on her blog! Check her blog out here. You will be inspired!:)
On a last note… I am continuing to add items to my Etsy Shop, and I would love for you to stop by!:)
Have a wonderful weekend!:)
Thanks Melissa! It was fun!! It was really nice to have a friend to run with.
Great verses! I also think of Hebrews 12:1 -
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
Yes it was!!!:) Thank you for sharing that verse.. such a good reminder!:)
Your new paintings that you added to your shop are incredible. My hat goes off to you and Julie for running your race in Winter.
The verses you selected are perfect and you two look quite happy about torturing yourselves (ha ha).
Susan
Thank you so much Susan!:)
haha… I don’t think we could have asked for better weather. It didn’t even feel like winter!:)