A Man, A Horse & Me

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Horse_heads#/media/File:Horse_2.jpgI am in Orlando, Florida for Lads to Leaders and Leaderettes. This morning I went for my walk down International Boulevard. I passed several people (actually, they passed me) also walking. I noticed that most were concentrating on their walk. One or two, three counting me, were obviously struggling. But there was one man, about 30, who was briskly walking and thoroughly enjoying his jaunt. He smiled as he passed and kept right on moving. I first thought I should trip him, but he was moving too fast and I couldn’t catch him. Instead, I noted an illustration based in Scripture.

All of us are in a race of sorts (1 Corinthians 9:24). Some seem to run better than others. Why is that?

A Good Run Means Practice

The man who ran by me had run before. He was not a novice. He had a military demeanor about himself and his stride was strong and confident.

The Christian improves as his walk with God ages. Our first steps are tenuous and slow. We are uncertain of our direction. Yet, God is with us. The more we draw close to God the nearer he becomes (James 4:8). We follow him and our steps improve (Hebrews 7:25). [bctt tweet=”The Christian improves as his walk with God ages. “]

A Good Run Gets Easier

I am convinced that the man in Orlando, was enjoying himself. I was proud that I got out of bed and left the hotel. But this man was really enjoying himself. I doubt his first run/walk was quite as enjoyable.

I do not imply that being a Christian is always easy. It is not. But once a man has shed the old ways and thrown himself wholly into God’s love and mercy, he will find that the way grows fairer. The writer of Hebrews spoke of a cloud of witnesses who cheer us on (Hebrews 12:1). Most of all, Jesus leads us (Hebrews 12:2). We are encouraged to not grow weary (Hebrews 12:3).

As we run, we improve and the way becomes a bit easier.

A Run Gets Faster as the End Gets Nearer

I use a fitness monitor as I walk. When I got back to the room I noticed something odd. The speed of my walk increased dramatically as I approched the ending point of the walk. It reminded me of a horse I used to ride. As soon as we turned the corner of the field and he saw the barn, he took off. He was ready to be done.

I suspect that it true in life. As we grow older and become more aware of our mortality, we long for the eternal home. You can almost hear the expectation in Paul’s voice as he said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness…” (2 Timothy 4:7, 8).

The whole point is this. Whether you identify more with the man, the horse or me, just get moving and stay moving. Walk every day with God and for God. The benefits are incredible!


 

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at preachersstudyblog.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @J_Bryant_Evans.

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