#christianrunner

Five inches of rain in a week led to one muddy day. Ankle deep in most areas made even walking difficult. As the morning went on, the heat index rose well above 90 degrees. Jumping over a 4-foot wall led us to the start line. "I am Sparta," was chanted right as we began to take off on the 8.2-mile obstacle course.

Muddy trails and obstacles awaited us at each turn. Even though I had run several Spartan races before, this one came with its own challenges. The muddier we became, the harder each obstacle was to conquer. My patience began to lack, my pride came to the surface, and my anger became unchecked.

James 1:19-20 says, "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires."

I wanted to prove that I could overcome every obstacle. I wanted to prove that I was strong. I wanted to prove that I was good enough. But when I couldn't complete an obstacle, I felt defeated and weak. Frustration turned to pride and anger. These two emotions weren't allowing me to grow in perseverance.

Earlier in James, he writes: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4

You may not have to run a Spartan race to feel tested or tried. We face these day to day. But God is faithful and promises us a place beyond imagination. All we have to do is persevere through these times.

James 1:12

Ben Baltz and his dad, JC, run up a hill at a triathlon in 2013. Photo by Paul Buchanan. Determined.

You have two legs, good health, older, not sick....Glory be to God!

Yesterday I got it right, today wasn't the same, tomorrow will be better. But, I am definitely going running even though I feel like bailing, I know I will feel good afterwards. I can't lose both ways. I can't lose in eating and exercising. I will make it right from now. So help me God.