I love to run. It allows me an extra opportunity to connect with my Creator. It’s more than just seeing His beauty in nature, so much more! The longer I run, the more I hear His voice. Is it the physical exertion? Can it be the steady cadence? I think it’s more about just being quiet.

I hit the road taking my usual route. I crave the familiar. I run it many times each week and know it well. Halfway through, I prepare for my least favorite part: a sizable hill with a nasty bend. I’m tired and, yet, I’m far from done. In order to tackle this ascent, I need the Lord to carry me. I submit my inadequacies to Him and ask Him for help. His Word comes back to me and Scripture fills my head: “I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Phillipians 4:13).

Some days, I picture Jesus slouching low with the wooden cross on His back struggling to take an extra step. I am reminded of where He was headed, and I am strengthened. I persist up that hill. In the end, I am often amazed at how easy it seemed. I am overjoyed. I made it! I ran with endurance the race marked out for me. He carried me, and I am on a spiritual high. Then comes the crash. Every time.

My next mile is just plain ugly. I seem to have forgotten Scripture. No image of Christ remains in my head. I think that the run should be easy, now. Instead, it becomes more difficult. I expect to coast (Don’t I deserve it?) and fail to prepare for its slight incline. I no longer rely on Him, and, instead, rely on my own strength. But in the end, I pray that on the next run, with God’s grace, I will do it His way. I will keep my eyes on Jesus.

And I pray that today, no matter what challenge you face, you will do the same.