Lessons Learned on the Road - Running the Race Marked Out for You

Welcome back to our Tuesday Series - Lessons Learned on the Road. Today I have the privilege of welcome Rosann who I met online at Voiceboks.com and am privileged to run alongside in my journey as a Christian communicator. 

Rosann is filled with contagious joy and a zeal for life. Click over and read her blog, Christian SuperMom and you'll see what mean. She also has a unique ministry to the unemployed at Unemployed Faith. Please join me in welcoming Rosann to Jesus & My Orange Juice.
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by Rosann Cunningham

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, 

let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily tangles, 

and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Hebrews 12:1

Few things bring clarity, creativity, and joy to my heart like running. I've had a passion for it since childhood, but it wasn't until a recent particularly turbulent season of life, I actually labeled myself a runner.

When life's circumstances were too overwhelming to face, running became an escape. 

For 3 miles a day I was consumed by God's presence, lost in the worship experience my well-crafted playlist provided. With each stride, whispers from the Spirit reassured me.  I finished with less stress and a renewed outlook.    

Before I knew it, God planted the seed of crazy in my heart.  It was an idea…a challenge…that would stretch me beyond life's current struggles.    

Run a half-marathon? I laughed at the thought.

A 13.1 mile test of faith? My stomach knotted up.

Me? Surely, He must have the wrong person!

But when God calls, the answer needs to be obedience. 

And so it began. 

I became a runner. For real. 

God's lessons in my race were priceless. 

In Life, Be Purposeful

My purpose was an act of obedience, but it was also a mission to regain hope and strengthen my faith. To do so meant approaching it with one goal in mind. To glorify God. 

In Life, Be Equipped

Preparation gives joy a place to settle in, suffocating fear. A training plan, proper gear, and the best nourishment, are all significant factors in equipping ourselves for the journey.

My race wasn't just physically demanding. I had a mess of emotions to deal with. To be an overcomer and effectively equip myself, I learned to do three things.

• Push myself (painfully) out of the mental and physical comfort zone of a 5K.  It was the only way to build endurance. 
• Prepare for unexpected weather or tough terrain. I didn't just shop for gear at the Nike store. I spent hours reading and memorizing the powerful promises in God's word. 
• For  proper nourishment and soul fuel, I met God daily in heartfelt prayer and quiet listening. 

In Life, Be Disciplined

Self-discipline determines victory or defeat.  Our mind is powerful, so eradicating the stream of negative thinking or a poor-me attitude is one of the most complicated tests we face.  

Being purposeful and equipped is the foundation for strong self-discipline.   

Mile four was a common battle zone between body and mind. With knees aching and  heart pounding fast, my mind sputtered lies.

You can't do it.

You're too tired.

You aren't strong enough.

To employ self-discipline, I refocused my mind on God.  I remembered why I was doing it - for His glory. I grasped for His truth - I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. (Phil 4:13)  I closed my eyes, sensing His Holy Spirit. I wasn't alone.   

No matter how rough the road, He is always there carrying me. He'll carry you too.  

What race has God marked out for you? 

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Rosann Cunningham is a Christian Author, wife to the man of her dreams, and stay-at-home mom to two delightful little girls. When she’s not out for a jog or having energy burning dance parties with her daughters, she can be found writing for her blog ChristianSuperMom, and ministering to women whose husbands are in a season of unemployment, at her other website UnEMPLOYED Faith.  Her writing inspiration for both projects comes from a strong desire to glorify God while sharing the heart of her journey through a life of faith.