To run the race

So, I finally went jogging today, after so long. I'm pretty sure in no time I will just give up as long as I have no motivation to keep on, but I really hope I won't. I'm not planning to lose weight or fats or whatnot like many people aim to do, I just wish to keep myself healthy and regain my stamina. To tell people that I used to do track, swim and play badminton is such a shameful thing to do right now 'cause I can barely run a mile without taking a few breaks.

But while I was running, so many thoughts were running through my head as well. We often compare life as a race, and it is especially meaningful to us as Christians. In the Bible it is mentioned "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:7, 8 NIV)"

To run, you need the strength, be it mental or physical. Many give up in the process, but only those who are determined will get to the finish line eventually. 

To run, you need to your eyes fixed on the goal. If one is motivated simply by fame, money, power, self-indulgence, one might just simply fall behind, or cut corners in order to get to the end. 

To run, you need to have faith. If you start doubting your ability, if you distrust what heights God can bring you to, how hard He can push you, and how He can use you to demonstrate His greatness, often you would just question why are you doing this? Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith, and as long as we have faith in Him, nothing is impossible. 

To run, you will definitely encounter obstacles. Distractions and temptations will lead to sin. The devil would go all out to deceive us, whispering in our ears telling us that we will not be able to make it to the end, but if we give in to these lies, we will never be able to see what greater plans God has in store for us ahead. 

To run, you need encouragement. Brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as those faithful men and women of God are good examples that we can follow and give us moral support when we fail time and time again. Pastor asked the congregation this morning whether the church matters to us? Sometimes it makes me feel bad because I spend so little time fellowshipping with my life group members. In a way, I think it is extremely important to have a group of strong believers around you while running the race, those who are willing to give you a hand when you fall instead of laughing at you or walking away. 

On a side note, the jog today made me miss my host family in the States more. It was this weather when I used to do track, seeing the track field reminded me of my track meets, my coaches, my teammates, my daily track training that made my body sore so much, my host mom who always had to pick me up from school late at night after the meets, my used-to-be-in-shape body lol. 

And on my way home, (as well as when I was jogging), the view was so nice that I had to stop and savour it for a moment. The stars were pretty, the weather perfect. It makes you think a lot about life (and get emotional about it), how amazing God is to you. I look up into the sky, realize how small I am, but also how well He has taken care of me every step of the way, how much He has blessed me in my life. I just want to thank you Lord, for what you have done for me and in me.