WOMEN'S INSIGHTS: Running the Race: Why Support Matters
Sometimes, carrying on is dauntingly hard. That's why God gave us a spiritual support network. Let's learn to use it.
Introduction
Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken (Eccl. 4:9-12).
If you look closely at a road race, it may surprise you to find almost as many non-runners as racers there: people handing out bibs, pouring Gatorade, awarding medals, etc. Why? Because it takes work to get someone from start to finish, whether it’s 3, 13.1, or 26.2 miles away.
Even on a weekly “long run,” most runners find the miles easier when running with a friend. Others are buoyed by someone back home who’ll have breakfast ready when they’re done. Even advice from someone who has run that road, or hearing “Good Job!” from a stranger, can mean the difference between finishing strong or walking off the course.
The Need
Support matters. Runners know it, and God knew it, too. For His runners here on earth, He has provided it, and we can find powerful help if we tap into it.
The Solution
Our community of Christian runners—the local church—is “ground zero” for that support. This “running group” inspires, encourages, teaches, and holds us accountable for finishing our race. Each time we gather, we find people who have wisdom, zeal, knowledge, and experience to draw on to carry through the next mile. What a gift!
We need to allow our Christian sisters and brothers to help us as Aaron and Hur assisted Moses, holding up our arms as we tire, and we need to offer the same support to others (Exod. 17:8-13). Lord willing, those with spouses will find them a vital part of our community that will support us well from day-to-day. Do you have elders? These leaders have accepted the support role when we have questions, doubts, or needs. We must also connect with those Christians in our congregation who have the wisdom and knowledge that comes with running into maturity.
Athletes have struggled this past year without the motivation and support found at races or group runs. Similarly, we may be struggling spiritually as our congregation undoubtedly looks and functions differently than it did a year ago. Yet, whether we are meeting in smaller groups, or cannot see smiles because of face coverings, and miss hugging and talking as easily as we once could, we still have sources of encouragement on which we can draw.
Conclusion
If you are weak right now, reach out to your community. If you are strong, lift up someone else. It will please the Lord (John 13:34-35; Heb. 10:24-25), and it could mean the difference between a soul—yours or someone else’s—being saved or lost.
by Lindsay Mast
