Run with purpose.

I've recently taken up the ever so popular hobby of running. For the most part I think it's because I am my father's daughter. I have never wanted to admit it, but running really isn't that terrible of an activity. I actually quite enjoy it. (Don't tell my dad or he'll ask me to sign up for Cross Country or something...)


Anyway, yesterday as I was running and jamming to my iPod I thought I was about to pee my pants. I know that's probably a little bit too much information, but I was surprised at how much faster I could run to get to the nearest restroom. I ran so much harder and faster that I didn't even know who I was...


As I was running like a maniac, these verses started running through my head--


1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.


I began thinking about how with such dire consequences I was willing to push myself further than I would have otherwise. This rings true in every aspect of life. Sometimes we run across obstacles that aren't there to make life harder, but to make us run faster and realize that we are stronger than we knew. We have to push our limits and see that Jesus is truly enough and that he'll supply for our every need.


In verse 24 it says, So run to win! Shouldn't I do that in every aspect of life? To me, winning would be bringing glory to God's Kingdom, furthering His flock, and following on His path. I don't want to just walk aimlessly...I want to sprint toward the goal. I want to win. I want to be in line with Jesus' plan and trust in Him with everything that I have.


Verse 26 says, I run with purpose in every step. I can't just go out there and say -- alright, I'm running now...if I don't know where I'm going, I'm going to get really lost. Especially since I just moved here and I don't really know where anything is yet...that would be a terrible idea. I have to know where I am going, I have to seek God's face in every moment, every step, every mile...He knows the plans he has for me. He will lead me if I would just search for His purpose in every step.


I'm starting to realize that every moment of every day can be spent searching for Jesus' purpose and love. He will provide, love, and cherish constantly. He is there to be with me, not to be ignored. I am in love with my Savior. And I am so blessed to be in a place where His name is glorified and His word is read openly and frequently. One week down here at California Baptist University and my life has already been readily changed. God is faithful. I will trust in Him, always. Now, I'm going to go for a run. :)