Skating on thin Ice

After being cooped up and not being able to run for a couple of weeks due to a lot of higly unusual snow and ice in this area, I decided last Thursday that I really needed to get out. I had been doing plenty of exercise, but there is no exercise like time on your feet when you are running a marathon. The paths were very treacherous and I would say about 70-80% was covered with ice and snow, so it was a slippy old time, but I was careful, the Lord ordered my steps and I came home safely.

I can hardly believe that it is just less than 10 weeks till the marathon now and I am starting to prepare myself for what lies ahead. In one sense, I think that the time is short, but I think having that goal ahead helps to keep me focused. I have started to organise a second to go out with me on some long runs (over 2 hours) in the weeks ahead and that has also has served as a timely race reminder.

It leads me to think, too, that we need to be ready for our Lord to return. Revelation tells us that the bride has made herself ready (Rev 19:7). For many years, the church in the west has been lulled into a false sense of comfort and security but things are changing and it is my growing conviction that much of what is happening in the world around us is God's stirring reminder that He is coming and He is coming soon. In view of that, we need to fix our eyes upon Jesus, the Author and Perfector of our faith who, for the joy set before Him, endure the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2). We too need be prepared and determined to endure through trials, that in the end we will receive the crown of eternal life!

The snow is mostly gone now, so training has resumed in all respects and it is good to be out on the road properly again.

For more on endurance, see our latest teaching legacy letter.

Peter Lindop, 16/02/2009