I ran my first half marathon! It was an amazing experience to do something that I never dreamed I could do and to push myself way beyond what was comfortable for me. It was also an unforgetable experience because I ran it with 2 of my sisters and my niece (plus big sis and niece's mom along with my parents were there cheering us on). But the best moment of the day was when I heard about this volunteer who had come to pass out water at mile 11.
A woman, who was originally there to run the full marathon but missed the 9 mile cutoff time and had to settle for the half, arrived at the 11 mile station and told the volunteer that she just wasn't going to make it. She asked if they would please call someone to come and pick her up. She went on to explain that she didn't make the cutoff and was so discouraged and tired that she just couldn't go the last 2 miles to even finish the half.
The volunteer tried to encourage her to finish and finally said, "What if I run the rest of the way with you?" The lady couldn't believe that this volunteer was willing to jump in and run with her. In the end the two of them took of from the 11-mile station and crossed the finish line together. The young woman didn't hold the runner up, didn't even touch her in fact, but her presence gave her the strength to finish the race.
This is why I love the Body of Christ. This is why I LOVE my brothers and sisters in Christ. We are here to run together, to encourage each other as we each "run the race that is set out for us". We can't run it for each other, but running with each other gives us the strength and courage to finish well.
I know the beauty of having others come along beside me when I don't feel like I can face another day. I know what it's like to experience "Christ in the flesh" when a family member or friend walks difficult days with you. I am grateful for those in my life who didn't bail when things got sad and messy for me! They are running this race with me and pointing me to Christ, the One who gives me His strength when my strength is gone.
I pray that you know the beauty of having brothers and sisters in Christ who are running beside you, reminding you of who Christ is and who you are in Him and that you run this race well!
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