The Mud Run

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.  James 1:12

This photo was taken right before I dove into the water.

The day to run in the mud for Claim Your Campus had finally arrived.  I had not finished the entire Couch to 5K program but I had done over half of it.  I felt in a place physically where I could comfortably run an entire 5K... but this 5K was in the mud and had 16 obstacles.  Still, I wasn't intimidated.  I was excited.  I had no idea what the obstacles would be.

For me, the race served as a metaphor for life.  Some patches of the track were clear and smooth.  However, mud lurked just around the corner.  One of the very first obstacles was a large netted structure that we had to climb 2 stories up and over.  It's just a mountain, I remembered thinking, hurling over it.

Wendy and I after the race.

At the very beginning of the race I felt a twinge in my right foot.  "Oh no," I thought.  Thankfully, my foot only gave me trouble when I had to bend it upward at a 45 degree angle to climb hills.  I gritted and bared it, my thorn in the flesh.  In the race of life we will have our disadvantages and also our advantages.  My endurance, a gift from God, was my advantage and I persevered; I did not tire or grow weary.

When running the race it's best to have a friend to run with you.  I ran the race with Wendy that day.  Wendy had also been there for me during my metaphorical mud.  I hope everyone out there has a friend or two that they can call on when the mud hits the fan no matter what time of day or night.  Thank God for my Small Group; Matt and Tom have received numerous calls from me through my run.  Life's friendships aren't always perfect but we should always be there for our friends when they call.

Life's challenges should never be faced alone.  Most importantly, we need to rely on God.  As I reflect back on this summer, I'm thankful that my wife came home.  It has not been easy and there have been a lot of obstacles.  I'm not sure how our story ends.  I don't know what That Day will look like for her.  Will she stand before God spotless, or covered in mud?  All I can do is rely on God and the help of my friends and family as we pray without ceasing.

There are several verses in Scripture that I keep going back to.  I wrote them below along with the meanings that they have for me.

Let go.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.  Proverbs 3:5-6

Seek first the Kingdom of Heaven.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Matthew 6:33

My help is on the way.

My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.  Psalm 121:2

He loved me first (and died for me) while I was yet a sinner.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  Romans 5:8

Suffer for His Name.

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,  Philippians 1:29

Love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind.

He answered, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"  Luke 10:27

Vengeance belongs to the LORD.  Be patient in waiting; His timing will be perfect.

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."  Romans 12:19

Once again, let go.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  Romans 8:28


This summer was my hardest ever, but I want to count my blessings as well.  Below is a video of some precious moments with my family.

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