Finding The Why


This past weekend, Allison and I traveled to Peninsula State Park in Door County, Wisconsin to run a half marathon. This marks the second time in my illustrious running career that I've run the Door County Half. In all I've done two marathons (Bay Shore - Traverse City, MI), 3 half-marathons, a 10K, and a bevy of 5Ks.

One of my favorite things about running a race like this is the assortment of people that you see. In this weekend's race, there were people from all over the country with ages ranging from teenagers to men and women in their 70s. I find one of the most fascinating things about running a marathon is that everyone has a why.

Everyone has a why - a reason or reasons why they are running the race. Running 13.1 miles for a half marathon, or 26.2 for a marathon is a big undertaking, so you're likely going to be doing it for a reason that's meaningful to you.

This weekend gave me insight into some of the reasons why people might run these distance races. Here are a few:
  • For those of us who have struggled with their weight and body image, a half-marathon is great way to make some serious health and self-esteem breakthroughs. It is truly a remarkable sight to watch heavier people legging out the final .1 miles of a race, as they show their dedication to pursue fitness and a healthier lifestyle.
  • Others still use long distance races as a way to stay in shape. This is common among the older men and women I see at these races. They are not interested in competing for any kind of great time, nor are they really competing against themselves. These men and women run because they are seeking longevity. 
  • There are the true long distance athletes who run because they are motivated and driven to run, and want to consistently improve upon their times. But there are also others who simply want to see what they are capable of. Running a half-marathon or longer can be a true test of one's mental and physical toughness and that is appealing. 
  • Running can be a way of maintaining community with others. For example, this weekend I know of at least one mother-daughter team of runners. This is often why Allison and I run, to have community with one another and with our families as they travel to the races often times. 
  • This weekend I saw at least one new mother run past her young baby and husband as they cheered her on. What a cool moment for that mom!
There are so many more stories as to why people run long distance races. There are probably too many to name, because each person you come across is going to have different motivations for doing it. Deep down, I think at least one of those motivations is simply knowing that "you can do it." Humans love to test our abilities to achieve, we love to push ourselves to limits we aren't sure if we can surpass. 

Which brings me to my reason why I run half marathons & have run marathons. Because I can't.

I can't run half marathons! No way could I run marathons! 

I run half marathons and marathons for many reasons, and one of the big ones is that I get to spend time with my amazing wife, Allison. But the biggest reason why I run half marathons and marathons is to glorify God!

Because I can't run marathons, God gets glory when He carries me through them!

Now, if you are more of a humanistic thinker, I've probably lost you at this point. You would probably like me to say how great I've been at overcoming obstacles by my own strength and my human will - that's simply not true. I do believe that God has given me the strength to do things I've never dreamed possible for myself. 

I know that sounds corny, but it's true. God is amazing, and the Spirit of God dwells in me, empowering me daily to know God and become more like Jesus. The best way for me to glorify this amazing God isn't by showing how great I am. The best way for me to glorify this amazing God is to show my need for His power at work in my life, and how He so richly provides because of His love for me. 

1 Corinthians 10:31 says, 

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (ESV)

I fall short of doing most things to the glory of God. In fact, I'm sure that's what brings Him the most praise is my weaknesses that He turns into strengths. But it is so cool to think that everything I do can be glorifying to God. 

You might not understand. You might even be hostile to this message. Even hearing this phrase makes you cringe and think of how much Tim Tebow annoys you. Living for the glory of another can be a counter-cultural, atypical way of looking at the world, especially in America. 

So, why do 'everything' for the glory of God?

John Piper on DesiringGod.org [1] defines God's glory as:
The glory of God is the infinite beauty and greatness of his manifold perfections.

Everything I do has a chance to bring God glory, whether it is eating, or drinking, or running half marathons because everything I do can showcase the infinite beauty and greatness of God. For example, in running half marathons I can glorify God because His power and purpose give me the strength and hope I need to complete them. 

I get emotional after every long distance race I've run because I am amazed and in awe yet again of how God was with me every step of the way. Back to the question though, "Why do everything for the glory of God?"

I want to glorify God because of what He has done for me in Christ Jesus. It's that simple. I was once a lost and wandering and miserable sinner. I deserved everything I got and was going to get, but God intervened in my life with the love of Jesus. 


“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. (John 3:16-17 ESV)

Jesus went to the cross and paid the penalty for my sin, so that I could be near to God, so that I could be saved!

God sent His Son for me. Jesus gave up his life for me! Therefore, it is my great honor and joy to do the best I can (failing so often) to bring the God who saved my life as much glory as possible, by living a life dependent on Him, that points others to Him. 


Having that kind of purpose for living is a great 'why.'



What gives you purpose in life? Why?



[1] http://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/what-is-god-s-glory

Comments

  1. David RuessMay 22, 2017 at 4:26 AM

    I love reading your posts and so appreciate how it always goes back to Jesus. Thank you Paul! Praise God !

    ReplyDelete

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