‘Detraining’ to run the good race

Sometimes running coaches have to “detrain” their runners.

Hannah Mae Gigstad | In the WordThat doesn’t mean they stop training. Instead, coaches help runners break their bad habits — starting out too fast, running stiff, not striding out. Coaches detrain runners in order to build them back up into faster, more efficient athletes.

I think God works the same way. He detrains us from our bad habits by letting the world overwhelm us and break us down so that we realize how much we need him. We must stop and reflect — and pray. Then God comes in and builds us back up in his image. We just have to let him do his work.
“Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.”
— 1 Corinthians 9:24-26, New International Version
I am in the process of detraining, both physically and spiritually. Breaking habits is difficult, but what’s even more difficult is trusting that my coach and my God will build me up in the best way possible.

Recently, I’ve gotten to the point of running so fast through life — on parallel tracks of school, sports and friends — that I have lost sight of God, my finish line. Becoming selfish and too focused on ourselves takes us away from the race God has planned for us, but focusing on God will always, always bring about a grand finish.

Do not ever forget where your blessings come from. You may think you own your talents, but God still owns them and can take them away in the blink of an eye.

What will never fade or diminish is God’s everlasting love. Don’t forget where your strengths and talents come from. Use them to glorify God.

Even when we quit paying attention to God, he never stops pursuing us. God is constantly running after us, there to pick us up when we fall.

This brings me so much security, knowing that no matter where I wander in life, God is always with me, waiting for me to turn around and admit that I need his help.

I want to be joyously racing toward the cross, toward the God who welcomes me with open arms.
‘Even when we quit paying attention to God, he never stops pursuing us. God is constantly running after us, there to pick us up when we fall.’  
I read a quote a few days ago that said:

“If you think you’ve ruined God’s plan for your life, rest in this: You, my beautiful friend, are not that powerful.”

I love knowing that whatever mistakes I think I make or wrong paths I think I choose, God had a plan for me. No matter what I choose in life, as long as I keep my focus on God, I cannot make a wrong decision.

As we go through tough changes and harsh realizations, we should never forget that God cares for us and wants the best for us.

The finish is worth the momentary pain.

Hannah Mae Gigstad, 17, is a high school junior in Arvada, Colo. An avid, competitive runner, she also enjoys reading and playing piano. She worships with the Northwest Church of Christ in Westminster, Colo. She blogs at hannahmaeblog11.wordpress.com.