May 19, 2024 (Reposted July 7th, 2025)
Several months ago, I signed up for the Capitol City half Marathon. It was really beautiful weather on the day of the race. Unsure of my pace, I requested an early morning start in the brisk weather. The race had a good mixture of hills and a downhill section at the end. As I walked, I went past beautiful forests and inlets. Then it happened, my camelback broke and dumped water all over my back. I was cold and miserable but pushed on trusted that God would get me through. Along the way, I saw rural blueberry farms and as the course meandered its way back into town, there were people holding motivating and hilarious signs. One read ” you’re running better than the government”. About this time, I could feel a large blister developing on my foot despite the fact that I had no problems training in these supposedly, “no slip socks “. Despite only being half way through the course, I pressed on.
The course had several official and unofficial water stations. At one point, I grabbed some water, and the person said they had water, Gatorade and beer. I thought they were joking. They were not. LOL. At another bend in the route people were dressed up as dinosaurs and unicorns. Towards the finish line my wife and youngest kiddo were there to cheer me on. I injured myself and will be off my feet for a few days but finished strong!!! What a beautiful day and a wonderful time! I will be back next year!!!!
As I think on this race, many difficulties happened and unexpected situations. As is the case in life, often unexpected situations develop. As much as we like to think that we humans control all variables of our life, it is not so. No matter how much we prepare for an expected outcome it does not always turn out that way. Often in those moments we are forced to make a decision. We can either turn to Christ and accept that things will be ok and that this is part of his plan or we can trust in our own ways, which often leads to folly. I could have dropped out of the race when my back was thoroughly soaked early on that cold morning or stopped when I started feeling the blister developed halfway through but instead chose to push on knowing God would sustain me if I trusted in him.
Often when we look back on the journey of life, we recognize that our character and our faith are forged and strengthened through the fire of adversity. Hardships humble us and help us to develop and strengthen our faith. When trials come remember that they have been allowed to happen for a reason and God will get you through it.
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12