Don't Give Up!

I ran 10 miles yesterday in preparation for Saturday's Run 4 Healthy Churches. Between 8 and 9 miles in, my left leg seemed to stop working. I probably looked a little silly trying to run in that condition. It has been about a year since I ran 10 miles so I was also dealing with the mental barrier of running that distance as well as other unknown issues with my left knee. 

Here is the secret I discovered to running that distance. 

Perseverance. It is as simple as that.

At some point you reach a certain level of physical conditioning when running longer distances and the real issue is sticking with it until you reach your goal.

My goal yesterday was 10 miles. My goal this Saturday is 20K or 12.5 miles.

I think my physical conditioning will allow me to reach my goal. The real question is, do I have the mental toughness to endure running over 12 miles? I believe the key to my success will be the ability to persevere.

The same is true in ministry as well as life. Just as my body was telling me to quit yesterday, we all are confronted daily with similar temptations. We often feel the urge to quit when the task becomes difficult.

I encourage you to persevere through the challenges you are facing in life and ministry. 

Maybe you are facing a challenge in a friendship and you want to give up and quit on that person. Don't give up. Persevere.

Maybe you are facing a challenge in ministry. Things are beginning to move in a positive direction but the obstacles still seem to be impossible to overcome. Don't give up. Persevere.

I also ask you to pray for me as I run 20K this Saturday in the Run 4 Healthy Churches. The weather forecast doesn't look that good, so that may be another obstacle to overcome.

I also invite you to partner with me by Fueling the Run (prayer) or Funding the Run (Donate). You can leave a comment at the bottom of this post to let me know you are praying. You may also use the donate button on this page to support Mission Mid-Atlantic. Or, you may also send your donation to Mission Mid-Atlantic, PO Box 345, Clayton, NJ 08312

Remember, don't give up!

~ Jim