Marathon Observations (Oct 25 Spinx race)

• Some start strong but finish weak. During the first half of the race, many runners ran past me. But as we neared the finish line, some were bowing out or barely making it. I still had a bit of energy left and was able to pass quite a few in the final miles. In ministry, I’ve seen some who began with great enthusiasm but, sadly, never followed through.
• Some are small but run as well as—or better than—the biggest. I ran beside a short woman for a while, less than three feet tall, who finished ahead of me. I think she took three steps for every one of mine! Other runners towered over my six-foot frame, but this had nothing to do with the final outcome. In the ministry, you can never predict future faithfulness by outward appearance.
• You can push through pain if you keep the finish line in sight. In ministry, there will be painful moments and deep disappointments, but keeping our focus on Christ—the Author and Finisher of our faith—enables us to endure and keep running with joy.
• The encouragement of friends helps immensely. There was so much friendliness throughout the race. I saw two girls running together, with several friends along the route handing them supplies. Every few miles, cheerful volunteers offered water, Gatorade, and gels. Toward the end of my race, my son and son-in-law joined me, urging me to keep pushing forward! In ministry, friends play a crucial role in helping, encouraging, and advising us. I’m grateful for faithful friends who, for many years—whether present in person or connected digitally—have provided steady spiritual encouragement.
• The greatest enemy can be the mind. Once the mind starts dwelling on the pain, fearing a mishap or dreading the distance, the race can unravel quickly. Many runners don’t finish because they can’t master their thoughts. In ministry, the fiercest battles also happen in the mind. If our thinking isn’t guided by truth, all kinds of trouble can follow. The mind can be either a powerful ally or a dangerous enemy.
• Clear signs are vital to a good race. I didn’t want to reach a crossroads and waste time trying to figure out which way to go. Thankfully, the organizers did a great job placing clear signs and instructions in strategic spots. That freed us runners to do what we came to do—run! In ministry, God has also given us unmistakable directions and guideposts for our walk with Him, for church planting, and for evangelism. Without the Word, the Christian life and ministry would descend into chaos.
• Eating along the way is essential. Every runner seemed to have some form of nutrition—water, sports drink, or energy gel. Long-distance running burns through calories quickly, and without replenishment, you’re bound to “hit the wall” and possibly quit altogether. In ministry, we likewise need to feed continually on the Lord and His Word. Without spiritual nourishment, the needs of people, financial pressures, and seasons of little visible fruit can leave us drained and defeated.
• What we fear often never materializes. Sometimes we dread problems that never actually occur. I was certain my hip flexor strain would flare up and make finishing impossible, but after the two hours it nearly faded away—perhaps just overshadowed by new aches in my legs and feet! Every ministry faces its own unique trials. Yet if Christ truly is the Head of the church, we can trust Him to choose which battles come and when—and to give us the grace and wisdom to face them.
• Post-race soreness is softened by the satisfaction of finishing. During the race, especially toward the end, the pain keeps rising! Still, I remember forcing myself to focus on the thought that it would all change once I crossed the finish line. And it did. Though I can hardly move even seven hours later, the lingering discomfort carries a sense of honor. The satisfaction of finishing well is worth it. Every servant of the Lord should bear his scars and aches with grace and patience, knowing that one day he will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” when he crosses his own finish line.