Run for Life - Gearing Up for Battle

Only 4 days until the Pinhoti 100.  Below is the final devotional I wrote for LIFE Ministries.  Please consider donating to the ministry as part of the race effort.  It only takes a few moments and any amount would help the cause.  To give and for more information please visit http://runforlifenow.com/

 

October 30, 2012 – Gearing Up for Battle

A day late this week.  This weekend I had a work trip in Boston and had to stay a bit longer than expected due to the hurricane.  However, now I’m home and race week is finally here.  This week will be spent making final preparations and resting.  Excitement and nervousness are present, but in all a sense of peace has come over me the last few days.  I have had time the last few days to reflect on the training and preparation to this point.  While my training cycle has not gone exactly as planned (work schedule, sick kids, injuries, etc.), in all I am quite pleased with it.  My body is ready for the battle ahead. 

With training behind me, the focus now turns to final preparations.  I spent a lot of time the last couple days studying the course and determining the best places for my crew to meet me, where I would need additional clothing or supplies and where the biggest climbs await me.  I also spent a considerable amount of time on gear selection.

There is a part of me that wants to keep things simple in a race like this.  Take a handheld water bottle and go, relying on aid stations to provide any nutrition and refills.  However, this would not be wise.  A lot can happen over the course of 100 miles in the woods, so careful attention to the supplies needed to give me the best chance to complete the race seems like a better idea than just winging it.

The gear selection is now complete and quite detailed.  It includes essential, obvious items like shoes (Brooks Cascadias) and a headlamp for night running, as well as items that will likely not be needed, but could make a difference depending on the weather (gloves, jacket, etc.).  My crew and I have also determined what gear they will give me at various points in the race depending on the trail ahead.  For example, they will provide me with solid food (Clif bars, sandwiches) at mile 68 before the big climb up “The Pinnacle” since the pace will be slow and thus more conducive to eating substantive food.  Also, some longer sections where crew access will be restricted, such as between miles 18 and 40 and again from 68-85, they will provide me with a hydration pack with plenty of water and extra food, whereas at other stops a single water bottle will be enough to do the job.

The gear selection is intentional and designed for the battle of finishing the 100 mile race.  

As Christians, we are also in a long battle.  Knowing this is essential to fighting.  Ignoring the battle does not exempt you from it.  Ephesians 6:12 states “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”  Very simply, there are forces in our world that want us to fail.  Our enemy, Satan, wants us to disavow our faith, to end our marriages, to abandon our duties as parents…to just give up.    This can be tempting, especially when it gets tough and the attacks against you are relentless and sustained.  Sometimes the attacks are major (sickness, disease, divorce) while others can be subtle (general frustrations, attitude, fatigue.) However, God gives us the specific gear we need to effectively fight each individual battle.

The Armor of God is described in Ephesians 6:13-18.  If you grew up in the church, you recognize this passage from children’s church or Sunday School.  Please do not make the mistake of thinking this is a passage for kids.  Ignoring the gear that God has provided for us to fight the battle and focusing instead on our own strength would be similar to me entering this race wearing blue jeans and flip-flops and carrying milk instead of water.  The spiritual war that we face requires very specific, very intentional armor to fight effectively.  Fortunately, Christ has provided us with the armor to fight this battle. 

You are currently in a fierce battle.  Make sure you’re armed and ready.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
- Ephesians 6:10-18