PAULA WISEMAN

Faith and life meet in a story

Home » Sage Words » Beginning Running

Beginning Running

By

 

mile 2 markerThe last Saturday this month, my son and I are running 2 mile race and then right after, my husband is running a 10 mile race. My son's 11 and has never run a race, but I told him if he wanted to run, I'd run with him. So we are officially registered. He's mostly in it for the shirt. Oh, and lunch at Wendy's afterwards.
 
Analogies aren't perfect, but here are some things about our upcoming race that got me thinking…
It would be unfair and even a little cruel to expect Alan run the 10 mile race his first time out. Two miles is much better suited to his abilities (and mine). However, many times we expect new believers to behave the way veteran Christians do. Rather than saddle them with more than they're ready for, let's come alongside and run with them. Help them maintain their pace. Point out their progress and encourage them to keep going. 
 
 
If I don't prepare adequately I can't help my son at all. It means getting up when the alarm goes off. Some days that means shifting my running time a little later in the day (when it's warmer) to ensure that I get it in. More running means more laundry. But he's counting on me. I can't let him down. I'm not sure we grasp how much newer believers depend on us. We have to shift our routines around for their sakes. If they see us giving up, laying down or sleeping in, they will too. 
 
Having both races the same day, it will be tempting to look at the 10-milers and feel completely inadequate, especially since a number of them will run the 2-mile as a warm-up for their race. Sheesh. Thing is, the 2-milers get the same refreshments and the same shirt as the 10-milers. God lays a different race before each of us, and it's the one suited to our abilities and preparation. We shouldn't feel inferior to believers who have appear to have more faith, or more knowledge or some incredible ministry. At the end, we all get the same shirt- the righteousness of Christ.
 
 
How do you encourage folks who haven't been believers as long as you have? 

Comments