The Voices In My Head

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So I’ve started running. I’m still shocked by this. My theory used to be, “if no one is chasing you, why would you run?” But as the years went by and the weight settled on to my 5’9” frame, I realized I needed to make some big changes.

A girlfriend asked me to come out to a Bible study that she was starting. It was called “Run With Endurance.” It would focus on Hebrews 12:1-2~ “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” And not only the spiritual side of this but also the physical side of endurance. The Bible study would begin with walking/running and also be filled with encouragement about health and nutrition.

Sounded good. My flabby bottom needed a good kick, so I signed up. I figured I would walk and maybe try to jog a little (just to appease my girlfriend). I was not a runner, so the emphasis would be on walking for me.

That was last October.  I was barely able to run a block when I started. Seriously. A. block.

Now I run an average of 4 miles 3X a week. Some days it’s 2.5, some days it’s 5 miles.

Okay, before you think…oh this is just another post about getting in shape…it is not.

I have learned soooo much on this journey of running. One thing that hits me squarely between the eyes is the battle that rages in our minds, and how real the battle is between our flesh, emotions (soul) and spirit.

Paul told us that we were a three part being:

1 Thessalonians 5:23, NLT
[ Paul’s Final Greetings ] Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.

But it has never been so obvious to me as when I’m running.

One day I was especially tired and felt like cutting off my run. I was planning on running 4 miles, but there was a road I could slip down that would shorten it to about 3 miles. My mind, my thoughts, my emotions and my body were screaming at me to cut off. There was a battle raging in my head giving me all kinds of reasons why shortening my run was a good idea. But then there was my spirit- not as loud- but still present, saying, “you set out to run 4 miles, you can do this, just keep going. You will be so thankful at the end when you have run 4.”

As I approached the road, I set my heart and looked straight ahead and ran right by it. Honestly, I kind of surprised myself! Months ago I would have taken the easy road without a thought. But now I had built endurance in my heart/spirit that rose above the voices in my head and kept going even when it was tough.

I was so glad at the end of my run that I completed the 4 miles. Do we ever regret the achievements? Of course not. But getting there takes determination and endurance.

Through this experience the Lord has taught me that I can rise up against the voices of doubt and unbelief. I can overcome my fears, but it will take a strong resolve on the inside of me. This was a physical victory but I believe it is an example of how to win spiritual ones too.

No matter what you face…whatever fears are trying to get you to throw in the towel or take the easy route, stand strong! Don’t let the voices in your head or the ones being spoken against you cause you to forfeit the race.  Keep running, keep pressing on, and trust God. You will never regret working hard on the things God has called you to.

Whether it’s your marriage, family or ministry…run that race with passion and presence. Running with endurance always brings a sweet reward.

Sue Cramer

Founder of Praise and Coffee ministry and Magazine. A wife, mom, girlfriend and coffee drinker who loves the Lord.

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