Running with the Word

"...Run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1

"For the Word of God is alive and active..." Hebrews 4:12


Have you ever prayed, all the while thinking, "this won't happen" or "I have no intention of doing anything about this"? I must admit I have (probably more often that I care to think about). One of the recent prayers I prayed was about improving my physical health, and becoming more physically active. One of those long un-crossed items on my To-Do list that I love to avoid. But New Year's came around, and I prayed that God would help me find a way to accomplish this goal. All the while not having any real intention of taking action on my own.


Funny how God works. He is listening apparently, and isn't concerned that I really didn't have a concrete plan to become more physically active. Later that month, He sent a LOT of snow, and must have planted a seed in my husband's heart too...he decided it was time to do more winter activities as a family, like skating, snowshoeing and sledding. And we did - every weekend. Apparently I just needed some encouragement and people to enjoy the activities with.


When the snow tapered off, I found myself at an impromptu meeting over tea, where I was told I would start learning to run and training for a 5K race in June. Running has always totally intimidated me and I never in my wildest nightmares thought I would run. I just don't have a runner's body I have always said! Guess what: 2 friends, a training schedule and some research later, I am running. (Well, truthfully at this point it's more of the gentlest jog you've ever seen!) And the decision to run was confirmed in many ways: with the Scripture passage "Run with perseverance the race marked out for us" from Hebrews 12:1, haphazardly picking up a novel with the main character being a runner, and my (gasp!) actually taking a little bit of pleasure in running. (Only when the north wind is at my back!)


The Word of God IS active and alive. When we pray (even if we don't truly mean our prayers!) God is listening, and He will communicate with us if we pay attention.


Jesus, I give thanks that You are listening to my confused and weak prayers, and that You are answering them as we speak. Help me to look for Your guidance in Your Word; help me to pay attention to the other ways You may be speaking to me. Help me to keep running like the wind, both on the road and also in the race of life that you have set before me. Keep me persevering until I reach my final goal, Heaven. Amen

Life Steps: In your journal, keep a list of prayer requests, and prayer answers. When you read God's Word, look for a few words or a sentence that really jump out at you, and think about how God may be speaking to you through His Word.