Recently, two friends, my brother, and I participated in a very special event—the Fisherman’s Friend Strongman Run! This 15 km route includes 30 obstacles of varying difficulty. There’s sticky mud which sucks your feet down rapidly, and you have to keep moving to stay on top. Then there are icy river sections to swim or wade through, testing endurance. Nets, trenches, tires, steep dirt slopes—all good reasons to justify to oneself, I just couldn’t make it. But the fact is, it’s possible.
A good friend, who is a serious athlete, laughingly told us, “As long as you can stay on your feet, you’ll make it.” And his words proved true more than once. Just when I felt it was too much, my muscles sore and strained, I’d think, All I have to do is stay on my feet and move forward. Step by step, obstacle by obstacle, through hot thick mud and cold rushing water, I made it.
In fact, all four of us crossed the finish line together, cementing both achievement and friendship in triumphant completion! It was an incredible experience, and we’re so thankful to have been a part of it.
The Bible verse “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”1 now has more meaning than ever before! Living a Christian life isn’t easy; it takes discipline, hard work, and perseverance. Sometimes it feels like all I can do is just stay on my feet. Then I find that His strength is made perfect in my weakness,2and when I’ve done all I can to stand, He takes over and carries me.3
Life surely has its troubles and obstacles, but there is a finish line where our loved ones and Lord await us for a celebration! Like Paul, I don’t consider myself to have attained yet.4 I’m just staying on my feet, eyes fixed on Him, knowing that, when the time comes, we’ll cross that finish line together.
You are definitely my rock and my fortress. Guide me and lead me for the sake of your good name!—Psalm 31:3 CEB
He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights.—Psalm 18:33 NLT