Spurring you on!

Written by Sam Tansley (Wellington, New Zealand)

Sam is a designer & draftsman who lives in Adelaide. He goes to Salvation Army Golden Grove Church. He loves Jesus and enjoys running. Other pasttime includes going to the movies, camping and hiking.

May 31, 2022

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (TPT)

“Because of this, encourage the hearts of your fellow believers and support one another, just as you have already been doing.”

I am writing this to encourage and bless you in your running.
I am hoping you will reflect on these words, and that they would motivate and inspire you to align your runs and life with Christ.
You are likely  to be already into running and regular exercise, and by now, know how important it is to take care of your body. 

1 Corinthians 6:19,20 (NKJV)

“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.’ 

We can care for our body and glorify God by regularly exercising, eating healthily, and getting enough sleep.
Did you know too that when we exercise, we can turn to the scriptures as our source of encouragement and inspiration? 

Colossians 3:23(NKJV)

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men”

This means we are obliged to give our 100% to our running.
Sometimes I think, “Does God really want me to be running? Should I really be doing this?”. 
Then I remember that God cares about us and our lives.
He loves us unconditionally.
He just wants to be involved in our lives, He wants to be remembered, and He wants to be put in first place. 

Sometimes it can be tough exercising regularly and disciplining our bodies.
The way we can do this is by setting goals.
As proverbs 16:3 proclaims, 

‘Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.’. 

A scripture to help us while exercising, we can remember that  ‘In everything [we] do, put God first, and he will direct [our] and crown [our] efforts with success’(Proverbs 3:6, TLB). “…crown your efforts with success” this sounds pretty good, aye!
I would love my running to be crowned with success.
So, what is the prerequisite to fulfilling this?
Put God first in everything.
“Well!” you might say “that is tough”.
God must be first in everything – your marriage, your work, your family, your relationships, your friendships…
In all things!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, help us put you first in everything.
We desire to be more like you, and we want our light to shine brightly on those around us.
Help us to glorify you by taking care of our body and giving our 100%.
Meet us where we fail, and if we fall short, lift us up.
Help us to take up our crosses daily and as you promised, you would be with us always.
Let us take you into a hurt world.
In your mighty name we pray.
Amen.

Reflection:

  • What is the Lord speaking to you about stewarding your body for His purposes?
  • How can you also be an encourager to the sphere of influence that God has put upon your life?
  • What is one thing you will act upon or improve with regard to your health after reading this article?

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