Running for a Reason

Do you ever feel like a little fish in a very big pond? Like the world and its problems are so big that there isn’t anyway one person can make a difference?

The sin in our world can feel so overwhelming. It can feel defeating at times but God wants to work through us to make a difference for HIS kingdom!

I’m training for my first half marathon (13.1 miles) this coming summer. The farthest distance I’ve raced up to this point is a 5k. Needless to say this is a big jump for me. Let me explain something first. I didn’t grow up running, well unless it was on the back of a horse. I used to comment that the only way you’d ever catch me running is if I was fleeing for my life.

For some reason though I decided to give it a try a couple of years ago. It didn’t come naturally to me. To be perfectly honest, it still doesn’t. I’m not fast and it still isn’t effortless. What it is for me though is time alone with God.

I run on cow trails. I live way out in the sticks so other than watching for the occasional snake there is quite a bit of quiet time. I love it!

I’ve been praying about a way for the Lord to use my half marathon training and race for His glory. I want my running to be about more than myself.

Every mile I’m praying for the victims of human trafficking. I’m praying for their freedom and restoration. When the miles get hard and the weather is less than ideal, I will run for those who haven’t been able to yet.

I will lift up those in prayer who work to rescue and restore these victims. Prayers will be said for awareness to be raised and the oppressors to be prosecuted.  

God has put it on my heart to put my money where my mouth is as well. For every training and race mile I run I will put a dollar in a jar. When my race is over in August I will be sending that money to The A21 Campaign to help them fight the injustice of modern day slavery.

God calls us to put our faith into action! Today, in this moment, this my action.

What good is it dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? James 2:14 (NLT)

I invite you to join me in putting feet to our faith. This can look different to each of us, but I encourage you to pray about how God wants you to move.

If you’d like to “join” me on my race I encourage you to send me your email address using the contact form on the right and I will send weekly mile updates from my training and race. You can determine how much money per mile you’d like to put in your jar (or envelope, etc.). After my race you’re welcome to join me in donating to A21 or another organization of your choice.

I would really appreciate your prayers for continued health and mental strength as I train. Thank you!

I love this song Run to Jesus by Francesca Battestelli!