For Whatever May Be Difficult
Whatsoever Series
Philippians 4:8 says “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Whatever is commendable? Get up. Press on for the prize. Repeat.
“Do you know that in a race all the runners run, only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.”
~1 Corinthians 9:24 (NIV)
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
~James 1:12 (ESV)
“For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.”
~Hebrews 10:36 (ESV)
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
~Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)
I enjoy running. It’s good for me. The crisp autumn air is invigorating…not. Running is difficult. It takes time, commitment, and a heap of energy. And then, there is also ragweed (which is a diabolical pollen against someone with allergies). So, why do I try to do it? Because in my younger years runners were described as the epitome of holistic health. It’s the kind of exercise that is said to burn extra fat, strengthen the core, shape lean muscles, and exercise the lungs…it clears the head. Why wouldn’t I want all of that?
Isn’t it ironic then that for most of the time that I spend running, I am all in my head talking myself to the next tree, lamppost, or breath of air. Maybe your internal dialogue sounds like mine. It sounds something like: “Just breathe”, “You made it to that one, you can make it to the next one” or “You’ve come this far so going the next block is nothing compared to where you’ve been already.”
For many years, I felt that I came up short as a runner, because I couldn’t clear my head. Honestly, I spent as much time in my head as I did with running shoes on my feet. I had to ask myself how a clear head became the primary goal. Remember my initial motivation was to be healthy? I got off track!
Maybe, just maybe, running is more than health or a clear head.
I Corinthians 9:24 says: “Do you know that in a race all the runners run, only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” Later, in Hebrews 12:1, we are told how to run. Run well, because others are watching (there are witnesses); throw off what would hold us back from a clean race (like self-talk, laziness, and loss of interest), and persevere (keep doing it, and press in to the challenge). Pray for your students in these specific areas especially as self-talk can be so defeating for there is an enemy that will use self-talk to steal a believer’s joy. Turn their thoughts instead to what is deserving of praise. Not preference, not opinion, not misinformation, or a lack of information. Help them press in to discover what is commendable about the challenge they face. Maybe it’s looking back at how far they’ve come already.
With God’s words filling my thoughts, the effort of running has changed for me. Don’t hear me wrong. It’s still difficult! It still takes time, commitment, and a heap of energy, but the goal isn’t about my head or my health, though both may be improved by the daily practice. The new goal is practicing it and doing it in such a way that it is a testimony to what I focus on. As Philippians 4:8 says, “for whatsoever is noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, anything that is excellent or praiseworthy.” My thoughts “dwell on these things” whether I am actually running or simply moving through my day at work. They are in the projects I start, the ones I finish, and in every way that I contribute to my family at home.
Students at Liberty University are learning the truths about practicing, challenging, pressing in, getting up, and doing it again. These are commendable! Our students. Your son and your daughter. Their roommates, the hall leadership, the classmates down the hall — we are called to “think on these things.”
Families are also called to run for the prize. Get up. Keep doing it. Your family will continue to grow into what God has called you all to be. It’s a daily mindset and a lifelong pursuit.
Let us all run the race that the Lord has given to us in such a way that we are a testimony of the gospel. Let us love God so that He is glorified through our work, our study, and our daily comings and goings. Our Christian faith is about perseverance. We pray that our students hold this in their thoughts and believe God’s faithfulness as they press into the midway point of the semester and into the next half!
Think on these things. May the Lord bless you, LU Family, as you chase after Him in all your endeavors.
Meet the Author
Tamatha Anthony
Assistant Director
