Run Toward a Greater Purpose

When experienced runners prepare for a season, they often start with defining the “why,” or their purpose for running. They assess their current fitness, their goals as well as their motives. They develop a training plan with routines and rhythms that will lead to a successful season, achieving their goals. They prioritized their life, schedules and activities centered on that purpose. Focus, discipline and careful execution are required.

A runner has a far greater purpose than their general fitness or best 5K or marathon time. God has given each of us the gift of fitness, and the passion and ability to run for Him and His glory.

Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but the LORD’s decree will prevail.”

When we grasp the greater purpose, our mindset shifts away from ourselves to our Almighty God. Every training run or race becomes an opportunity to focus our attention on God, then it becomes an act of worship. In 1 Corinthians 10:31, Paul states, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.”

Are you lacking joy and fulfillment in your running or has your running stalled or hit a plateau? Maybe it’s time to reassess. Consider taking God with you on your next run. Before you put on your running shoes, kneel before Him and acknowledge His presence, power and provision. Our purpose is not to simply run, but to run to Jesus and bring Him glory. When we realize that God created us to glorify Him, and we start to act in ways that fulfill that purpose, then we will begin to experience an intensity of joy and fulfillment in the Lord that we have never known before.

This greater purpose is to follow Jesus Christ and He has assigned to us the responsibility of carrying on His mission. Just as Jesus gave himself to God to carry out His work, so He desires His disciples to give themselves to God for the task of spreading His message of love and salvation throughout the world. Our community is the mission field!