Finding Faith in Every Step: Life Lessons from Running with Jesus

Usually, I talk about walking with Jesus. Today, I’m taking a page from the letters of the apostle Paul, who happens to like sports metaphors and frequently compares the Christian life to running a race.

let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith... ––Hebrews 12:1b-2a

Lesson 1: Look Up

When I left the house, the sky was overcast and slate gray, perfect weather for a run, especially after it had been so hot for the past few weeks! At some point, I realized my eyes had been down the entire time, focused on the pavement right in front of me. If we want to see the glory of God and His handiwork, sooner or later we have to stop plodding along and look up! When I finally did, I was stunned to see a gorgeous blue sky with huge, white, puffy clouds rolling along, outlined by the golden sunrise. The view was absolutely amazing.

To think, I almost missed this awesome display of God's splendor! What a good reminder to continually shift my focus so that I can, "fix my eyes on Jesus" (Hebrews 12:2). I want to always be looking for God, even (or maybe especially) in the more mundane areas of life.

Lesson 2: Have Fun

While in a neighborhood, I spontaneously decided to run up some stairs and found that there was a playground at the top. Lately, I’d been feeling a little sad about my boys growing up and not wanting to "play" anymore. When I saw the playground, it felt like Jesus was saying, “I’ll play with you!“ I walked over to the basketball hoop. Basketball was something we used to do a lot as a family. Then I noticed that someone had left a ball in the grass. With a big smile on my face, and no one around to see my terrible form, I picked it up to shoot a few hoops.

While it is important to work toward our goals, it isn’t all meant to be “work.”

With Jesus helping to lighten the load, we don't have to take life (or ourselves) too seriously. When we move through our day with the Lord, He brings opportunity for Joy (1 Timothy 6:17). Pausing to laugh and play offers an energizing reset.

Lesson 3: Keep Practicing

Keep in mind that I am somewhat uncoordinated and barely over five feet tall. Needless to say, I am not a basketball player! Surprisingly, my shots weren’t all bad (probably a shorter hoop), but I still couldn’t get the ball in the basket. When I turned to leave, I felt like Jesus wanted me to keep going. Why? "Don’t give up," He said, "Everything in life takes practice. This is like all the other things you’re learning and working on right now. Don’t walk away just yet." Okay, so I kept trying. And yes, I did eventually score that bucket. Maybe I had an angelic assist, but still, it felt good to be rewarded for my effort.

Whatever you're working on right now, keep it up! Learning and growing in your walk with Jesus is like any other area of life; it requires consistent effort over time. Rest assured, we are rewarded for our perseverance.

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

Lesson 4: Keep Pace with Jesus

Speaking of not giving up, towards the end of my run, I wanted to stop and walk. After my win at the hoop, I was pumped and my pace had sped up. This wore me out, and then I wanted to quit! Jesus told me to keep going (again). When I fussed about it (I’m not always the best listener), He said, "You don’t need to stop; you just need to slow down." So I did, and doing so made all the difference. I was able to keep running all the way home.

We never want to be ahead or behind of where God is working in our life. And we can trust Him to set a pace that is manageable for us. When we stick with Jesus, He helps us to keep running the race we're called to run, all the way home to Glory!

Lesson 5: Invite Jesus In

Whatever you're into, bring Jesus into it with you. It doesn't have to be running. For my friend, LeeAnn, it's gardening. And for my friend, Suzy, it's tennis. We each hear from the Lord in the ways that make sense to us. God speaks your language. And He will multiply any time you spend with Him to give you more than you could imagine. Consider that He gave me all of these lessons while doing something that I love, in less than 45 minutes of my day!

Get Your Own Lessons from Running with Jesus

During the course of my life, I've had many lessons from running with Jesus. God created each of us with unique gifts and pleasures. And He longs for us to invite Him into these experiences. As we do, He both increases our joy, and uses them as opportunities to teach us: to show us more about who He is, and who He has designed us to be. He wants to communicate with us; we just need to listen. I encourage you to invite God into your day today and see what He will do!

Lord, please help us to listen and respond to your voice today. Thank You that You direct our paths when we acknowledge You (Proverbs 3:6), and, "at your right hand are pleasures forever more" (Psalm 16:11). May we fix our eyes on you, and follow your lead, with every step we take! Amen.

If you want to learn more about hearing from God and walking (or running!) with Jesus, feel free to contact me, or schedule a free phone consult. I look forward to connecting with you.