Rock-N-Roll 13.1- We have a great God!

Psalm 91:11 “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” (NASB)

When racing, I can typically be seen smiling, encouraging the athletes around me, and thanking the volunteers for their time. Channeling my energy positively towards others encourages me in return! I am energized and blessed by those around me and use that energy to stay positive, to run faster, and to be stronger. Today began with a bit of a different tune. I woke up this morning un-excited to race and just sad as a result of some recent heart-ache. I tried to talk my way out of this funk, but was only able to build “superficial” confidence in my ability. Praise God, I am not dealing with MY ability alone, but Christ's, who gives me strength.I had specific goals for this race, but I felt I had lost the battle before the race even began. I invited the Lord to race with me and knew He was the only way I would mentally survive this race.

The first 3 miles of the race I pasted a smile on my face and tried to think positively. As the miles went on, I stayed pretty even-paced to goal, but I was not racing with joy that usually overflows from my heart with gratitude and passion. I began not to care and to speak negatively to myself. I prayed in spurts through the negativity and tried to pull myself out of the hole. At mile 6.5, the Lord blessed me with a sweet little angel.

A young, beautiful, college runner ran up on my heels and said, “Come on, we are almost up this hill, you can do it.”

I received her encouragement as truth and replied back, “YES, we can do it.”

My pace dropped from 6:40’s to 6:30’s. For the rest of the race, Becca and I ran stride for stride next to eachother, speaking words of encouragement firmly to one another as our pace descended. At one point she asked, “how do your legs feel?” I responded where I was feeling pains and she told me she was praying for me. I was praying for her too.
It was refreshing to be paired with someone I knew was praying for me while I was praying for them. This sweet girl turned my race from negativity to a personal best time!
I ran a 1:28 and placed 15th female overall out of 14,000 runners. 4th in my division.

Running is more than the actual competition, it is the growth process getting to the starting line and the experience traveling through. Running has strengthened my character and taught me so much about life and about my walk with Christ. Thank you Jesus for the reminder in channeling my energy positively towards others instead of drowning in my own self-centerdness.

****Hours after already writing this post, I had written Becca a facebook message thanking her for the encouragement. Apparently, she was also having a tough race and praying for the Lord to lead her through. Our God blows my mind! We are so undeserving, and yet He takes interest in even the smallest desires of our hearts. What a compassionate and loving father! Read exerts from her response below.

"Jacqueline- running is a special place for me and the Lord to connect. I was feeling awful during the run and at mile 7, right before we met I begged to feel the awesome connection I feel with the Lord when I run and it was not there. Literally 2 minutes later I ran into you and God connected with me a different way this race through you. God is so good. The Lord shines through you Jacqueline! And you are such a talented runner! Such a stud."