I’m not a runner.   The idea of running seems a bit overboard to me.  It’s the kind of thing that just seems unnecessary. There are easier ways to get someplace without exerting that kind of energy! 

It’s a form of self torture, really.   

But recently, I’ve felt the desire to try.  And when I did I discovered a few things. 

 My lungs burn, my heart pounds in my chest, and all I can think about is stopping.   It is, in fact, self torture. 

But…I kinda liked it!  As I jogged down the road in my neighborhood, I felt proud of myself.  I felt strong!   I’m no spring chicken.  I mean, who decides to just start something like that at my age?  But as I pushed myself, I realized that, day by day, I could go a little farther, a do a little more.   It felt good, and it hurt less each time.

And that’s when it hit me.   It’s the same with my faith. Sometimes I just need to push myself a little farther, do a little more, and make my heart pound in my chest.

Testing my faith, like testing my physical abilities,  causes growth.   Over time, I find myself doing things I never really felt were possible for me.  Ephesians 3:20-21 reminds me that God is able to do more (in my life) than I could ever think or imagine. Those are powerful words! Because I can think and imagine a lot. But His plans are always better for me than mine are I am challenged to;

• Dream bigger

• Live more purposefully

• Do “big things”

All of that starts with the first step. 

No one is immediately a gifted runner.   Running takes effort, focus, determination, and practice.   But the results are worth it.   The joy of accomplishing new things is powerful!  But I will never get stronger (in my faith or physically)  if I don’t first start.    Every journey begins with a single step.    That first step often requires great faith.

But I desire to be brave and take that first step, to push myself a little bit, to invite God to show me the path He has for me, and to “run with it “!  

Image by Daniel Reche from Pixabay