Warm Up

Warm Up

Another reason some runners fail to warm up properly is a macho attitude. Confident in their athletic ability and eager to get going (and feeling young and fit), they rush out and on their way. That approach may work for some for a while, but the possible problems are not worth the risk. This proverb, a warning for all areas of life, should cause us to think twice about preparing adequately: “Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).

As finite and frail human beings, we need to recognize our weaknesses and prepare accordingly. Failing to do so would be foolish indeed.

We’re also vulnerable in other areas, and in this sinful world, we’re surrounded by temptations. Again, to not recognize this fact and take precautions could be disastrous. The apostle Paul warns, “If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12).

The Runner

We know from news reports and from personal experience about the moral failings of those who did not heed those warnings:

the financial adviser who used money from new clients to cover losses from previous poor investments and slipped into a Ponzi scheme

the charity worker who “borrowed” a little from the donations till, but that “just once” became a habit

the employee’s innocuous flirtations with a coworker that turned into an affair

the addict who began by “experimenting” with drugs

the pastor who became attracted to a counselee

These life-runners pulled up lame because they thought they were immune and because they hadn’t taken preventative precautions. And in the process, they ignored the warning signs and rushed by the opportunities to get back on course.

The Race

Being prepared for temptations (“warming up” for that challenge) means thinking through the possibilities and how we should respond in various tempting situations. For example, we may think through scenarios like these:

“If I’m asked to do ___________, then I will respond by saying ___________ and doing ___________.”

“If this happens, then I will react this way.”

And so forth. And we certainly should avoid situations where we’re pretty sure we’ll be tempted. Being prepared also means putting up safeguards, barriers to ensure that we won’t cross into forbidden territory.

In all of this we should realize that we can’t resist in our strength alone, so we should ask God for his wisdom and strength to resist. Listen to this powerful passage that comes right after the verse we looked at earlier: “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

The Result

Regardless of our precautions, we can’t avoid all temptations. That would be like assuming we will never have leg or joint problems or encounter animals, cars, and potholes when we run. But did you catch God’s promises in that passage? He said he will not allow you to be tempted “more than you can stand” and that he will provide a way of escape. So here’s a suggestion: When you’re tempted to take a wrong turn in life, pray and say something like this: “Thank you, Lord, for trusting me that much! Now, what do you want me to do?” Then look for his way of escape and take it.

My Story

“My steps have stayed on your path; I have not wavered from following you” (Psalm 17:5).

At mile seventeen, I didn’t think I was going to do it. I had turned my right ankle twice, once trying to negotiate a construction cone at mile four and again in a hole on the trail at mile eight. Despite this, I managed to continue moving my feet, which felt like lead by mile fifteen.

When I ran through the ballooned arch at the finish, I fully realized I had done it. For the first time in my life I had run twenty miles. But following the shock and exhilaration of “I made it” came conviction. The Lord let me know in very clear terms that I had failed to invite him into every step of the run. Yes, I had prayed the “Oh God, help me” kind of prayer, but I had not involved him on the “step-by-step” level. He wants to be there, step by step, in every “run” of my life.

I need to deliberately consider him, thank him, trust him, and recognize him at each and every step of the way. Twenty miles is a long way to run on one’s own strength and energy. Yet I try to live that way in many areas of life. Instead, I need to involve God in each and every step.

My next training run was twenty-three miles, and he was right there, step by step.

Cheryl

Think It Through

1. When have you recently seen overconfidence contribute to a favored athlete or team losing a contest?

2. When has pride preceded a fall for you?

3. What are your most common and most pressing temptations?

4. What precautions have you taken to avoid them? What ways of escape has God given you?

On Running

How do I prepare to run in the heat?

The best way to prepare to run in any kind of weather, especially heat, is to become acclimated to it. That means spending time in that weather, preferably five to ten days with heat. After a few days, your body will start to sweat sooner and distribute sweat better. Your sweat will also be more diluted. So don’t try running long distances at your normal pace the first day in hot weather. Allow your body to become used to the weather first.