Gear Up

Gear Up

Having the correct basic equipment for a sport is important, but equally important is having that equipment available for different aspects of a contest or for conditions that might arise. In football, players might have to change their spikes for a better grip in mud or even change into different shoes altogether when playing on an icy surface. Baseball players need sunglasses that they can quickly flip down when trying to track a pop-up or fly ball in the bright sky. And NASCAR owners and drivers understand that their tires will vary depending on track conditions.

So how do runners cope with ice, wind, rain, sun, and other race circumstances? They are geared up with the right equipment.

As Christ-followers, we also need to be prepared for a wide variety of life possibilities and situations. Although Paul wasn’t talking to runners, he challenged believers in Ephesus to don the right equipment—armor for their spiritual battle. They needed to be dressed from head to toe in order to meet the onslaughts of the enemy, Satan himself:

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:10-17).

The Runner

For René’s marathon, the race-day weather forecast was foreboding—cold (thirty-five degrees Fahrenheit), misty rain, and wind. Eventually, however, the rain would stop, the sun would break through, and the temperature would climb—at least that’s what the meteorologist said. So René laid out her running clothes, everything she would need.

Her objective was to be as light as possible while also retaining body heat; thus, layering was in order. Next to her body would be her basic running outfit—lightweight, smooth, and loose. Over that, she would put on a short-sleeve T-shirt, and over that a long-sleeve shirt. Then she grabbed a garbage bag that she would tear holes in and wear over everything. It was light, cheap, and easily discarded. On her hands, she would wear old sweat socks. These would allow her to ball up her fingers to keep them warm, and she wouldn’t mind losing the socks at the right time. René also wanted to keep her head covered, so she took her running hat with the built-in sweat band, and she covered it with plastic that she could rip off if she wanted. As far as her legs were concerned, René knew that they would warm up quickly, so she wouldn’t need to cover them for the race. She would wear her sweat pants until just before the start, when she would take them off and hand them to a friend.

The Race

Serious runners understand that running conditions will not always be ideal, especially if they travel and run in varying climates. Fortunately, sporting-goods manufacturers have developed equipment to help runners adapt to and run in almost any weather and on virtually all terrain. The key is to think ahead and be prepared for workouts and races.

God has given Christians everything needed for running and winning the race of faith. All the gear is available, ready for us to use. We just have to put it on so we’ll be prepared. Using the metaphor of fighting a battle, Paul describes the armor-equipment we’ll need and what each piece represents: belt (truth), body armor (righteousness), shoes (peace from the Good News), shield (faith), helmet (salvation), and sword (Word of God). Paul makes two main points: First, we’re in a battle, not at a picnic; second, we need to be ready, to be geared up.

In effect, Paul is saying we’ll be prepared if we are assured of our relationship with God, knowing that we have settled the salvation issue (helmet), that God is truth, and that we have the truth (belt). Standing firm on the truth of the gospel (shoes), we move with confidence and in faith (shield), living the way God wants (body armor) and striking out with Scripture (sword) against the forces of evil.

The Result

Serious followers of Christ know they must be grounded in God’s Word. Satan likes to attack our assurance, sowing doubts. He has used this trick since the beginning, when he asked Eve, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” (Genesis 3:1). He whispers questions about our salvation, the inspiration of Scripture, the uniqueness of Christ, and even the existence of God. When we fail to wear the helmet and belt, we become vulnerable to other temptations.

Satan’s distractions and temptations aren’t the only potential race conditions, of course. We will also face physical, relational, financial, and emotional challenges.

Every day, put on your equipment and run your race with confidence, prepared for anything Satan or anyone else can throw at you.

My Story

I have learned so much about running as I have grown older. In high school I ran cross-country and track. In those competitions the ultimate goal was to run faster and win, so that was how I was conditioned. I was a decent competitor but never actually liked running, only the social part of it. In college I stopped running because it wasn’t fun. Quite honestly, it was torture at its finest. I didn’t actually pick it up again until I was in my thirties.

One day, as I was leaving the YMCA after a fitness class, I noticed a group of eight to ten women dressed for the cold and getting ready to brave the Chicago wind. It was the Y Running Club, and I immediately knew I had to become a part of it. I wasn’t sure why, but I was completely interested. I began running with the group and over the course of the year learned that running is so much more than just running. I loved the women and the social aspect of running, but I discovered so many technicalities.

For example, I discovered that “pacing” doesn’t always mean taking off at breakneck speed. I also learned the importance of stretching and strength training so I could not only increase my speed but also stay healthy and run happily.

As for attire, I learned that looking cute in the winter isn’t important, but staying warm is; thus, clothing choice is crucial to a happy run. I had never lived above the Mason-Dixon Line, so winter running attire for me meant a long-sleeve cotton T-shirt and sweats. My first run in a Chicago winter was a wake-up call. I was ill prepared and suffered the consequences. I needed a day to thaw out and was fortunate not to have caught pneumonia.

I have found that my spiritual life parallels my running life. I cannot survive all that life throws at me without the proper attire. I’ve learned that in Chicago I need layers while running in the cold. I start with a skintight base layer and put a warmer layer over it. Up top, I wear a couple of layers under a specialty zip-up fleece that combats the wind. I have warmer socks for winter and hats and gloves to finish off the outfit. It is impossible to run happily—without the proper gear.

Similarly, it is hard to live happily without God’s gear, his “armor.” Over the last few years, our family has dealt with the impossible. Our six-year-old son, Max, was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor in October 2008 and died July 4, 2009. During our journey, we learned not only to trust in God’s plan for our lives but to put on his armor every day to combat whatever Satan threw our way.

In Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul tells Christians to put on the belt of truth, the body armor of righteousness, feet fitted with readiness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, praying in the Spirit constantly. We have learned that nothing is impossible with God. On some days I can’t put on the armor—that’s when I ask God to put it on for me. God’s love and peace have gotten me through so much in running . . . and in life.

Leanne

Think It Through

1. What piece of spiritual running gear do you need the most?

2. When have you been most vulnerable to those whispers of doubt about your faith?

3. What other conditions do you think you will face in your spiritual race?

4. What should you do to be better prepared for them?

On Running

How should I prepare for running in the heat?

When running in heat and humidity, you can take steps to keep from overheating. First, be sure to hyper-hydrate; in other words, drink plenty of water before beginning your run and drink during the run. Second, begin at a slower pace (not your race pace) so your body can adjust to the heat. Also, maintain a slightly slower pace throughout your workout. If you wear a heart-rate monitor, you will be able to keep track of your workout and see when you need to slow down. Finally, the best help for running in hotter-than-normal conditions is acclimatization. Just six to ten days in hot and humid weather will help your body to adjust and become used to the heat.