This summer I have been struggling through a challenging physical training regimen in preparation for volleyball season in the fall. I do conditioning four times a week, weightlifting three times a week, and core strength building four times a week. Today was a daunting but fairly easy conditioning session with a handful of various sprints to complete, each in a given number of seconds. I made it through that one alright. Next week I face a considerably harder workout, which begins with a 2:50 800m sprint, followed by some more hideous tasks, and culminated by 4 500m sprints each to be completed in under 95 seconds, with 90 seconds of rest between each one. GAH! These longer sprints are rigorous, mentally and physically. I often find that right around 300m my breathing becomes more labored and my legs begin to get heavier. It takes a tremendous effort of body and will to press on. Without fail, as I run I look up toward the finish line and fix my gaze on it. With the end result in sight it becomes infinitely easier to power through the weakness and ultimately leap (or stagger, as is more often the case) over that blessed finish line.
Though this training is yielding physical and mental strength and endurance, there is also a direct parallel to my spiritual life. Life just isn't easy. Sometimes it feels like you've hit that 300m mark--you are weary and struggling and don't want to go on. Hmmmm... would a focus help? Perhaps a glimpse of the finish line? I found this tremendous passage a few nights ago in my devotions. Fix the eyes of your soul upon this glorious prospect, found in Isaiah 25:6-9.
"On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare
a feast of rich food for all peoples,
a banquet of aged wine--
the best of meats and the finest of wines.
On this mountain he will destroy
the shroud that enfolds all peoples,
the sheet that covers all nations;
he will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears
from all faces;
he will remove the disgrace of his people
from all the earth.
The Lord has spoken.
In that day they will say,
'Surely this is our God;
we trusted in him, and he saved us.
This is the Lord, we trusted in him;
let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.'"
Ladies and gentlemen, the finish line of faith. Isn't it a beautiful thing?
1 comment:
Your determination and dedication inspire me. Thank you for your insight as you keep your eyes on "the finish line". I see great things in your future, now and in eternity.
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