Recently, I went to the doctor so they could investigate an issue I’ve been having, and while I was there they decided to do a procedure. The after-effect was that I was unable to sit upright, and I could definitely not run. I was in bed for two days in pain and on the third day when I returned to the Dr for a follow-up, we determined that an outpatient surgery would be necessary. With no running in between…..
Now, I am well aware that to some of you this means nothing, but to a person who runs five days every single week, without fail, this is huge. So much of my mental well being benefits from this daily dose of endorphins, and I want to stay fit, and the cardio part of it helps me as a singer……and if you’ve read many of my devotionals then you know, God speaks to me frequently during my runs.
So, this afternoon as I sat down and felt pouty, I asked myself a question, “What does a runner do when they can’t run?”
My first thought was, “Well, nothing but feel disappointed.”
Then I realized I was settling into a defeated mentality, and that’s not allowed in my life. Not. At. All.
If I am in a short season of not being able to run, then I need to purposefully modify other areas of my life to fill in the gap. To let the rest of my lifestyle rally around this missing piece so that I don’t fall apart.
First, I will not believe the lie that says, “I will never be able to run again.” And instead of walking in agreement with that lie, I will walk in victory by finding another physical outlet.
Second, I will not believe the lie that I will get fat from not being able to run. That’s not true. To walk in agreement with the truth, I will modify my diet in small ways and release myself to a season of rest. We all need small breaks from time to time anyway, this is just assuring that I will truly rest.
Third, I will increase my devotional/quiet time and worship alone more to ensure that I continue to hear God even while we’re not running together. He speaks all the time, I just need to make sure I continue to have “free time” with my brain. That was the beauty of running for me anyway, it was a time to be in neutral and just listen.
Do you see how this can apply to your life? We are not called to be victims of circumstance, rather we are more than conquerors. So, no matter what life throws your way, decide to be actively working to maintain closeness to God and willingness to be a victor, not a victim. You can do it!!!
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:57-58
365 Days in the Presence 