Author Joni Eareckson Tada, in her book, "Overcoming Adversity," wrote about a volunteer at her ministry, "Joni and Friends," named Clay. He cheerfully packed boxes and stuffed envelopes and just generally offered himself and his time wherever it was needed.
However, Clay's passion is running. During cross-country season Clay didn't volunteer as many hours of service. Every hour he wasn't in school, he was out running. The folks at Joni's ministry would report seeing Clay out running in the wee hours of the morning, piling up the miles.
When she had the chance, Joni asked Clay a question that had been on her mind for a long time: what is the most difficult part of a long-distance run? She thought it would be the first mile or so as the runner is getting mentally prepared to run a great distance or at the end, when the body is exhausted and you feel like you can't run another step.
Clay's answer surprised Joni. He told her it was the middle portion of the run, "when you're out of range of those cheering voices at the start and finish lines." It's that long, grey, middle distance that saps your strength and your will.
Life has been likened to a long distance race. You might feel like the race you're running feels a lot tougher than you imagined it would be. A health problem, financial struggle, self-esteem issue or other challenge can all seem like reasons for giving up.
If you're in need of refreshment for the race called "life" take some time to read Psalm 42 today. Hope in the Lord leads to praise. Love from the Lord leads to prayer. Verses five and 11 seem like a refrain worth singing: "Put your hope in God, yet I will praise Him, my Savior and my God."
Put your hope in the Lord!
