RUN FREE

(what it means to run without natural limitations)

One day while performing my daily routine the thought came to me, “That running doesn’t make you tired”. I pondered that thought knowing that the statement I just heard is not what I believed or practiced. Generally speaking when Angela and I are walking it seems we could walk all day without a lot of thought of the time or being tired. However we both are currently running based on a predetermined length of time. This set length of time is usually graduated based on a previous run. I know I heard a story of a man who went to heaven who loved to run (or some would say jog). This same individual thought it would be a good ideal to take a run up in Heaven because the scenery is so beautiful and the area he was visiting had a wide open field of grass. The interesting thing in this story is that when the man started running he noticed that when he naturally (normally) would have started to get tired he wasn’t. Then he thought not only will I continue jogging but I will also pick-up my pace, this means he purposely put some more energy into his stride. To his surprise when he pick-up his pace to a running stride he still was not tired. The key ideal to ponder with that story is that God created us to be strong and to be able to do task, feats, jobs without weakness, therefore we know it is God’s Will for us to be able to perform until we “will” to stop, not because we tired out. That story is a reality in Heaven therefore it is a possibility here on earth.

Matthew 6:9-10
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. KJV

That story is a reference because the revelation that our strength is centered in God.

Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. KJV

Yes, this verse applies specifically to running (jogging) because your flesh which is your body will speak to your heart about being tired but you can know according to the scripture that you have abiding strength of heart in Christ. This is not speaking of natural power from muscle mass but specifically strength of heart that knows no weakness. God’s strength can and does overcome all obstacles but for His strength to be properly manifested here on earth we must rely upon it by yielding to it (yielding to Him). Notice in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 that the Apostle Paul saw this same truth.

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. KJV

The repeated theme of these two verses and many more is the attitude of the believer. If the believer can be happy and take joy in the midst of a storm God’s power will undergird him or her. However, if they take dread or fear the weakness of the flesh (your physical body) will be the predominate force to usher in your defeat. The choice is of the heart not of the physical circumstances. All good athletes enter into the race but the one who always prevails as the victor is the one who believed they could win (or in complete boldness they should win). Winning does not happen by accident but rather on “purpose”. Notice the Apostle Paul said we should run purposing to finish strong, not run with the purpose to only get a good head start.

1 Corinthians 9:24
Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win. NLT

God’s wisdom dictates that your mind should already be on the end result even before you start. Those who have the end result in mind at the beginning of their race are able to stay focused which keeps them on a steady pace because they know those who endure the fullness of the run win the prize of satisfaction and honor. Yes, the peace of accomplishment also is the fruit of righteousness enjoyed by all those who run well in Christ Jesus, unto the Glory of God the Father in Christ Jesus our Lord and track coach.

Hebrews 12:1-2
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. KJV
Picture of a man finishing a race

Notice again that patience accompanied Jesus in His race and that Jesus had His eyes on the prize of salvation for the world. Jesus used the joy of that prize to endure the pain and public humiliation of the cross. If He can overcome such a daunting task we can surely overcome a running exercise for a set amount of time. However, we must use all three ingredients to successfully complete the task God’s Way. (1) We must use patience as our ally, (2) then rejoice in the Lord always because the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10) and (3) then stay focused on the prize of victory which brings glory, honor and praise unto our Awesome God. Remember dear saint of God when you win God Wins in your life if you suffer defeat it is a loss for yourself and God’s Kingdom. You are a Child of God and an Ambassador of Heaven it is to God’s Glory when we win. This is the reason God gave you all the weapons, tools, empowerment (gifts and graces) to secure the victory on earth, but obtaining that victory is a faith proposition not based on natural talent (skill) or strength. Amen.

1 John 5:4
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. KJV

When we believe this truth to be so in our very own life it causes renewed life and strength to circulate through our inner being emanating through our physical man to strengthen his resolve. This renewed strength that comes through believing with the heart is what some people rely upon to give them the mental edge needed to settle their thoughts. Without an anchor for the soul your thoughts can drift off coarse to the place of lost concentration. Once any person veers off coarse the effort is almost double to just return to the race and even when you come back you have lost a good amount of time and energy.

Hebrew 6:17-20
17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. KJV

Some think of the Holy Bible as a fairy tale but no my friend this is “truth” and “biblical facts”. These truths (spiritual vitamins, instant energy) are here among us in the earth to set us free and keep us free. The purpose of God was not just to speak to man but rather that these imparted truths would be a living reality for every man upon the earth. If we, as Children of God, can believe in these principles by laying them up in our heart (confesses of faith with corresponding actions) we will experience them in our life as glorious overcomers. Renewed energy is our New Testament reality in Christ Jesus for all those who dare to believe it.

2 Corinthians 4:15-18
15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. KJV

We are not born after the flesh when it comes to the things of God but rather after the Holy Spirit of God. If I think of myself as a mere (natural) man I limit my mind to not being able to pass barriers and roadblocks. However when I think of myself as a new spiritual man in Christ Jesus I know that there are no limitations. This new life we find in Christ is a blessed spiritual life that knows no barriers and leaps over all roadblocks.

Romans 8:11
The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as he raised Christ from the dead, he will give life to your mortal body by this same Spirit living within you. NLT

It is this knowledge that started me thinking about the truth that, “Running won’t make you tired” (same truth re-stated). This statement was not asked as a question nor was it mentioned for debate. This was a statement of fact based upon the truth of God’s Word. We (as Christians) have scriptures that state “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me” in Philippians 4:13. We also have a scripture in the Old Testament that states in Isaiah 40:31 that we can run and not tire out.

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. KJV

These scriptures are statements of truth for all those who purpose to walk by faith as opposed to sight in agreement with 2 Corinthians 5:7

(For we walk by faith, not by sight:) KJV

This reality of being able to run (jog) without being weary is not the normal natural way of thinking. This revelation must be pondered and believed on and accepted as a personal truth for you. We remember the scripture in John 8:32 that states, “You will know the truth and the truth will make you free”. This implies that truth alone will not (can not) set you free but rather the truth that is made personally known to you that brings the desired results. My point is many believe that Jesus was special, some do believe that He is a great prophet but that won’t get them saved. So even believing that Jesus is the Son of God (which we saw certain devils cry out in Mark 3:11) is truth but without the confession of faith that Jesus is their personal Lord they won’t be saved either. The Father God laid out a specific pattern for salvation and that pattern consist of believing that Jesus died specifically for your personal sins against God and that God raised Jesus from the dead and then calling upon His Name as your personal Savior will cause you to be saved. Doing that specifically will make you a new born-again creature in Christ Jesus, nothing else. Since God has the power to make you a brand new creation it is very conceivable that His same power could manifest during any exercise session to keep you from being tired. I know that concept sounds new to some people but consider that even in the Old Testament before the Saints of God were born-again with His new nature we saw great feats (demonstrations) of God’s power. I remember the example of Elijah who out ran the kings chariots. This is miraculous on two levels. First the man of God didn’t run as an exercise regularly so starting to run very fast for a long distance is impossible in the natural. Secondly, the Prophet ran faster than the kings horses, which are typically the best horses in the land. Not a trotting horse or a walking horse but a running horse at full strength (speed). The thought of a man out running a horse is totally ridiculous in the natural but we see it happen in 1 Kings 18:44-46. This does not mean that any man or woman can out run a horse but what it does mean is that it is in the realm of possibilities for a man to outrun horses when the Hand of the Lord is upon him (or her). Today all Christians have the Spirit of God within them so when they run they can have complete confidence that God is with them. Now, knowing that God is with you is good but it is far better to allow God’s Spirit to be upon you to help you. This Spirit of God being upon you can only happen when you have the thoughts of God in your mind to create an atmosphere of peace. Also, as we stated earlier you will need the Joy of the Lord in your heart before and during the event.

Psalms 19:5b Darby
And he is as a bridegroom going forth from his chamber; he rejoiceth as a strong man to run the race.

The help of God’s Spirit typically comes from the avenue of faith. Living by your personal faith in God’s ability to manifest His power is not always common in the earth. Yes, we should live this way as Christians, displaying the same trust and confidence in God as Christ displayed but in all honesty we are not living up to our potential. This is the reason realizing how much spiritual grace and ability God has as compared to your natural ability is crucial. If you don’t think about Christ Jesus in the power of His resurrection you will never make the connection that His Power is available to you. Once you accept the fact that God’s Word is true for you, then (and only then) will you be ready to start confessing that truth as a daily part of your life. In the Old Testament we read in Proverb 23:7a that, “as a man thinks in his heart so is he”. This thought of running without being tired is exactly what keeps a distance (marathon) runner going strong after miles of running. Some people make the mistake of thinking it is his personal training but a runner (an athlete) knows physical effort without (void of) spiritual heart (the will to do it in excellence and joy) will not propel you to success. Personally I know it was a challenge for me to say this out loud as an established truth but speaking about this “truth” with Angela helped convince me that it is right. Remember, when the thought occurred to me I did not have all this scripture support that you are now reading. Angela was very quick to believe that this is a truth of God that needs to be acted upon. It was her encouragement to write this “truth” down to share with others that inspired this article for the website. We now both say, “Running doesn’t make me tired” meaning we can jog for as long as we want in the grace of God in the Name of Jesus. So when confronted with the choice to be tired when running (or jogging) simply refuse to be carnal minded.

Romans 8:5-6
5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. KJV

Purpose to be spiritually minded in Christ Jesus with the thought that you can run (jog) forever. Why, because running doesn’t make you tired! Know that being tired is a temporary condition of the physical body that will change in the process of time. Being tired starts with a thought coming to your mind to produce a desired result. This result may not be from your own personal will but it could be from an alien spirit trying to influence your state of mind. It is said that, “You are a servant of who you obey”. When we obey the thoughts and purposes of our own will based upon the faith of God we will be a successful runner (jogger) in God every time. This success is not based upon the time or distance but rather our own personal satisfaction in Christ Jesus, because when we run until we are satisfied we will always operate in peace and joy. Running is never about doing a good work it has to be a run of faith to operate in God’s grace through the strength of joy. This means that running won’t be limited by our natural ability but rather by our godly state of mind which knows no limitations.

2 Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. KJV

Ephesians 6:10
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. KJV

Since we have a strong mind in Christ we will be strong runners for the Lord because we are a part of His body. This truth (mind set, dominant thought) frees the natural body to train (exercise) freely without worry or fear or hesitation. Believing in God’s Word is the first step to understanding God’s truth, then knowing this truth in your heart will strengthen your will to act upon it. Once you have acted upon this truth you will personally experience the peace and joy that comes from operating in faith by God’s Grace. Amen!

Run free and run long in Jesus Name because it is your right in Christ Jesus,
knowing that the Holy Spirit of God is the air you breath to strengthen your heart,
before you run, during your run and yes, even after you run for the glory of God.
Amen!

In His Love, Eric & Angela Foster

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