3 Reasons This Christian Girl Runs

I get it. Some people hate running. I once was one of them, and some days, I still am.

When I tell people I’m training for a half marathon, I get a variety of responses. Most fall into one of the following categories. I’d be curious to hear yours, and I promise, you won’t hurt my feelings!

[polldaddy poll=9817788]

Asking the reason why

Whether you’re setting goals or getting ready to make a decision, pause to ask, “Why am I doing this?” That’s a healthy question.

Last time when we talked about goals, we determined the bottom line for doing anything is to glorify God (I Corinthians 10:31). Let me unpack that a little more today to explain why I’m growing to love this physical pastime. How can running glorify God?

#1: It builds endurance and discipline.

Oh, it definitely builds endurance. There are days when putting one foot in front of the other is an act of sheer will power.

But it teaches me that persistence and hard work pay off. As I discover that showing up day after day makes a difference, running becomes a metaphor that motivates me to give my best in all my endeavors.

Call me crazy, but I’m an English teacher, and sometimes, metaphors just make a whole lot of sense.

#2: It can benefit a great cause.

Last weekend, I had the privilege of running in the Idlewild Hope 5K to raise awareness and money for survivors of human trafficking.

Newsflash, Florida is considered a hub for this horrific crime, even third in the nation. I love my Sunshine State, but that’s one statistic that makes me want to vomit.

Because yes, Florida, this disease is in your backyard. Regardless where you live, don’t think your hometown is immune.

Races often benefit good causes, and even if they don’t, they’re an outreach opportunity. You never know who God will bring along your path. Literally.

#3: It provides quiet time with God.

Who said you have to be sitting down in a quiet nook to spend time with God? Running often provides quality time alone with my Savior. When I run with friends, it even provides a chance to share our burdens (Galatians 6:2) and pray.

Since my friend Angela and I are training for a half marathon together, we encourage each other this way. (I both blame and thank her for talking me into this race.)

Now our prayers aren’t necessarily pretty. We’re panting and sweating, but we’re praying for the needs on our hearts, for family members and friends, and for the lost and those who need to know Jesus better.

The point is simple. You don’t have to be on a private perch to pray. You can be on a running trail.

We have the opportunity to grow closer to God wherever we are, whatever we’re doing.

We can’t compartmentalize our lives. This third is for serving Jesus, and this third is for my family and responsibilities, and this part is for me.

No, no, and no.

If we do, we miss out on the chief purpose and joy of our lives: to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever (as the Westminster Shorter Catechism so succinctly states).

Think about your weekly routine, and look at it with fresh eyes. How can you glorify God in the ordinary? 

~ Kristen

Tweetable

3 Reasons This Christian Girl Runs – @kjhogrefe (Click to Tweet)