Lent Devotional | Ash Wednesday

Preparing for the Marathon

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps. (Proverbs 16:9)

A marathon. 42.2 kms. It is a long race, not a sprint. Running one requires extensive training, planning and of course execution. You should not consider competing in one if you are not serious about it, otherwise you are unlikely to accomplish your goals, you may get injured or, you may not even finish. As a seven-time marathon finisher, I deeply consider my commitment to the process before training even begins.

Life. A marathon. It is a long race, not a sprint. Life is a training ground, requires planning and yes, wise execution. Living life for the Lord requires a serious approach. If you do not take Him seriously, then His goals for you may not be realized, you will get injured – a broken heart perhaps – or we may not finish well.

Paul tells the church in Corinth that we, as believers, have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2: 16). What an awesome, humbling fact! As believers we also have the Holy Spirit residing in us, which enables us to process any circumstance in a Christlike manner, including when things are tough.

It is Ash Wednesday. We are invited to slow down, take stock of where we are in our marathon and take heart that Christ has gone ahead of us. As we slow down and analyze our life inventory – the good, bad, and ugly – I am immensely encouraged that not only has He gone ahead of us, but He also knows everything. After all, while we are making our plans, God is ordering our steps. (Proverbs 16:9).

Last October, while running my seventh marathon, there came a point where I got tired and sore. Instead of panicking, I flexed my most valuable muscle: my mind. With my Holy Spirit-fuelled, Christ-mind flexed, He reminded me that I was prepared, hydrated, and nourished. He reminded me that I had put in the work and that I was built for this tough battle. Encouraged, I persevered and finished strong.

Friend, as we draw near to Resurrection Sunday know this: Our risen King Jesus has won the victory and has created you, a masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10). He has gone ahead of us and knows our route. Trust Him, you are built for this tough battle. Run it well.

Herbie Kuhn

Sports Chaplain, Athletes in Action
Pro Ministry, Public Address Announcer
& Co-Chaplain, Toronto Raptors

Prayer

Lord Jesus, help us run the marathon of our lives with grace and confidence in your plan. Remind us today and always of the promises of your Word and fill our hearts with the assurance that you are always present even when we feel that the journey is long, arduous, and lonely.

Application

Think about a difficult situation in your life that seems to be persisting with no end in sight. Remember that you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength. Draw on your faith and remember that God orders your steps.