Ironman….

Two weekends ago I went to Chattanooga, TN to watch my god-son participate in an Ironman. That means a 2 ½ mile swim, 116 mile bike ride (normally 112 but they added 4 more for some reason) and a 26 mile run (marathon) – all of that to take place in one day. It was something to watch. He hit the Tennessee River about 7:30 Sunday morning. That was the easy part. And one of his good friends was standing there with an encouraging sign when he came out of the river. 

When he came in from the 116 mile bike ride we could sense he was really tired but still able to muster a smile when all of us reached out to give high fives as he began the 26 mile run. Over 14 hours and 40 minutes later he crossed the finish line. He was officially declared an Ironman. He was absolutely past exhaustion when he crossed the finish line; however, the joy on his face along with the sense of accomplishment were priceless.

Later on, he was able to share with us some of the behind the scenes circumstances of the Ironman. He shared how he struggled just over the half way mark of the bike ride and how his knee was hurting so bad he wanted to quit. (He got a foot injury several weeks out from the event and favoring the foot caused knee issues during his training process.)  During the run the knee and foot issue grew much worse. He was thinking he may have to quit when two girls came along beside him going at the same pace as his. They spurred him on and before it was over they were all spurring each other on. They crossed the finish line together. 

I could NOT keep from paralleling his journey from ours as believers. Scripture has so much to say about us regarding our finishing the race.

2 Timothy 2:5 (ESV)
An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 

2 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV)
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up 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 loved his appearing.

Acts 20:24 (ESV)
But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Philippians 3:12-14 (ESV)
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 12:2 (ESV)

looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Galatians 5:7 (ESV)
You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (ESV)
 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

My precious brothers and sisters in Christ stay strong no matter your circumstances right now. Finish the course!! Pray for God to bring runners alongside you!! Run alongside someone else that needs the encouragement. We run for much more than a title… we are running for the sound of His voice as He proclaims, "Well done, good and faithful servant.”

We are in warp speed regarding our trip to Kathmandu with lots of shaking and moving going on this week. It is serious time in the area of preparation as we begin to gather all the items into their intended locations to be packed. Moving weight around to different states and locations so we don’t exceed our 50 lb. weight limit is almost as trying as moving my own human weight to different areas and locations. Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha. However, the excitement of bringing things together before we leave the country is priceless to the soul!

Thank you, thank you so much for those of you that are giving towards this trip as the LORD moves on your hearts. We have had 9 more missionary women sponsored since last weeks’ blog! That puts us at 35 with only 15 more to go! Yea, God!! Keep praying with us that God will continue to move on people’s hearts to give.  

Also pray for our women on the field. They too are aware that our coming is eminent and are trying to get things in order for their households as well. 

I don’t know how much you enjoy it but I love watching and reporting to you in the blog the movement of God on behalf of the missionary women overseas and the team that He has called to go. Thank you again for being a part of His ministry as we all serve Him together.

Running the Race,

His,

Vickie