In past years
my family has had the opportunity to volunteer for several triathlons that were
hosted by our community. We have been able to help in several different
positions. This has allowed us to view the events and observe many of the
various aspects of this multifaceted race.
A triathlon is comprised of swimming, bike riding and
running. Participants train and compete in all three events. These events
challenge the abilities and strengths of different parts of the body. Athletes
are often more comfortable with one of these events than the other two. Whether
it be the swimming, running or biking, there is one sport in which the athlete
has participated in and practiced far more than the other two. One may be a
strong runner and has taken on swimming and biking as secondary skills. Another
may be an avid biker who has added the running and swimming more recently.
Still another may have been swimming regularly for years and has now begun
biking and running. Still others have been training and participating in all
three events for many years. In any case all will compete in the three events.
A good training program is essential for participation
in a triathlon. As with any sport, eating well and getting plenty of rest are
necessary for training. The body must be replenished of all that intensive
exercise depletes from it. The training schedule must be set up to focus on the
muscles necessary for each event. The participant’s strong area will need to be
maintained through regular practice. The weaker areas will require more work to
develop and maintain strength and ability. This training schedule should rotate
through the various activities devoting the appropriate time to each. Someone
who loves to run cannot simply say, “I’ll be a strong runner and that will be enough.”
All skills must be practiced and improved to the best of one’s ability.
In several of his letters, the apostle Paul compares the life of a
believer in Jesus Christ to a race. We are encouraged to train like an athlete
does. “Train yourself toward godliness (piety), [keeping yourself
spiritually fit]. For physical training is of some value (useful for a little),
but godliness (spiritual training) is useful and of value in everything and in every way, for it holds promise for the present life and
also for the life which is to come.” (1 Timothy 4: 7b-8 AMP) When we
become tired we must remember, “And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall
reap, if we do not loosen and
relax our courage and faint.” (Galatians 6:9 AMP) We keep on regardless of how we feel.
When
things become difficult and all we can think of is other things we would rather
be doing, we must still press on. “For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems
grievous and painful; but
afterwards it yields a peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been
trained by it [a harvest of fruit which consists in righteousness—in conformity
to God's will in purpose, thought, and action, resulting in right living and right
standing with God].” (Hebrews
12:11 AMP) A partner can help us keep on studying, praying and serving Jesus
and others.
“Not forsaking or neglecting to
assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but
admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more
faithfully as you see the day approaching.”( Hebrews 10:25 AMP)
We can and must acknowledge that we
have gifts that make us more suited to serving the Lord in particular ways. “Having gifts (faculties, talents,
qualities) that differ according to the grace given us, let us use them: [He
whose gift is] prophecy, [let him prophesy] according to the proportion of his
faith; [He whose gift is] practical service, let him give himself to serving;
he who teaches, to his teaching; He who exhorts (encourages), to his
exhortation; he who contributes, let him do it in simplicity and liberality; he who gives aid and superintends, with zeal and singleness of mind; he who does
acts of mercy, with genuine cheerfulness and
joyful eagerness.” (Romans 12:6-8 AMP)
Although we may be gifted and called to primarily serve in one manner, God may
ask us to step in other ways when a need arises. We are to be willing to prepare
for and do all things, not just what we are already comfortable with. We must
remain sharp and ready to follow the voice of the Holy Spirit confident that
when we feel inadequate, He will strengthen us.
Training for
this Christian walk consists of studying, praying and obeying each command the
Lord gives. The Scripture provides life-giving nourishment to our souls. Taking
the time away with God restores and refreshes. And obedience builds strength. We
will become capable to finish our race, in the areas that we are strongest and those
that are added along the way by our Heavenly Father.
So
dedicate your time and energy to becoming ready for anything that God may call
you to do in this race of life. Train well.
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