Running as an Athlete and as a Christian

When I was still young, my friends used to tell me that I was really sporty. But it never in fact appealed to me that way. For me joining any sport or outdoor activity was just pure fun. Hence, it never truly occurred to me that when I grow up I'll invest time over a certain sport. Not until my eldest sister influenced me in joining a running race. From then on, I joined a running group to educate myself further in the field of running. I started meeting wonderful people and even gained good friends. I was also running daily that it became part of my weekly routine. I targeted races every month and got good personal records (PRs as what we call it in running)in different kilometers. I even ran my first half marathon (21km) before 2009 ended and finished my first full marathon (42km) this September 2010. However, as I continued to run I often ask myself this question "WHAT IS THE ESSENCE OF RUNNING?" Well aside from the obvious reasons that I have expanded my networks of friends, lots of memorable moments, the discipline I learned during my trainings and in achieving my targets, I still seek a deeper meaning of this sport. I strongly believe that there is more into it.

True enough, when you seek you will find. During our service in church this morning, our senior pastor Joey Bonifacio shared this Bible verse in 2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." At that moment, the Lord revealed to me the answer to my lingering question. It was so awesome to understand how God associates the sport of running to being a christian in faith and living your life for God. I have discovered through God's grace that He led me to this sport and supported me all the way so I may fully understand at the right time that I can also apply the discipline I've learned from running to my christian faith. If I have endured the trainings, running long distances and finishing strong in every race, I can do the same with my christian life. Moreover, I don't have to pay for my registration fee like in participating a race but instead I already got a FREE registration from God through Jesus Christ. Based on John 19:30 "..Jesus said 'it is finished'." He paid the debts of my sin so I can join the exciting race of life, finish it strong and gain the award that awaits me (2 Timothy 4:8 "Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.")

Faith Upgrade

For months, God has amazingly upgrading my faith. This week that has just ended was an experience of breakthrough with regards to my faith over God's financial provision. It's so easy to say that you believe that God can do things or make miracles, but when you already need to apply it there is this battle of doubt. To worsen it, I even tried making a back-up plan if ever God will not provide. Talk about believing right? So I get to talk and seek counsel from a christian friend. I told her how I'm struggling with really wanting to believe that the Lord will supply my needs and that there's this inkling doubt at the same time. She shared to me this verse that she holds on whenever she's in the same scenario, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9:24. This was a revelation for me. Yep I have read this on my Bible chapter reading but didn't really appeal to me until I needed to hear it.

My Woshrip Night Experience

The Victory Christian Fellowship, Fort held it's 3rd Worship Night yesterday. The church started having once a month worship night just last May. As for this month's worship, it was a bit different because they made this to break the 3 day prayer and fasting of the church in preparation for the EN2010 conference and the inaguration of our new elected president.
I joined the church in praying and fasting. I gave up one meal (breakfast) and watching television for 3 days. Instead of doing these things I used my time to get to know more of God. It was an awesome experience. Also, it was timely that I was reading this book entitled "The Mystery of the Empty Stomach" by Joey Bonifacio. I had fresh realizations about fasting and got clearly what God wants me to do. So as to end the fasting, it was perfect to attend the worship night.