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Today, I decided to run. I’m not a runner, but every once in a while I pretend like I am. I make sure I look the part in my exercise apparel. (Lord knows It always looks new since I don’t wear it very often.) I pull my hair in a pony tail and away I go. It feels good… until my chest starts to burn and my legs begin throbbing. It is then that I remember I need to push through it. If I keep going for just a little longer, my body will adjust. I tell myself to slow down and breathe, just keep breathing.

I have a difficult time identifying with the physical aspects of those who train for marathons. I don’t see myself having the type of endurance it takes to succeed at such a task. That type of stamina is a gift, and I don’t have the passion to fuel it.

Anything you want to succeed at takes passion, and passion will fuel your desire to prevail.

I want to continue ministering hope to women. It is my passion. It pains me to think of so many who are grieving while feeling devoid of hope. Sometimes ministry is a daunting task because when you have a passion for people, their struggles and hardships can weigh heavy. In order to bear one another’s burdens, (Galatians 6:2) we need to train for a marathon. A spiritual marathon.

In this world where hurt and need overflow, we must be ready to lend support and encouragement. In order to do that properly, we need to feed our spirits with the word of God. It will bring forth rejuvenation to the soul and give exactly what is needed to minister truth and hope to those who are crying out for it.

As I was running today, I kept thinking about what it means to train for something. For quite some time I’ve been training to succeed at my passion. I read and study God’s word every day. It is an essential part of my training. It takes diligence. And when I’m struggling with my own day-to-day problems, it takes endurance.

2 Timothy 4:2

Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. (N.K.J.V.)

When we train for something we become proficient at it. I want to be ready in season and out of season, so I am going to continue training. I pray my passion will continue to fuel me, and I pass on hope to each life I come into contact with.

What are you training for?