Refine and Preserve

“Everyone’s going through a refining fire sooner or later, but you’ll be well-preserved, protected from the eternal flames. Be preservatives yourselves. Preserve the peace.” (Mark 9:49-50 MSG)

My husband and I are training for yet another race. When we sign up for new races, there is always a degree of hesitancy. Why are we subjecting our bodies to  pain and exhaustion? Do we not have enough stressors already? Wouldn’t it be better to do something relaxing and entertaining? Like most middle-aged couples, we have faced some life-altering challenges. We have come to realize that we have very little control over the the size and frequency of the obstacles that pop up regularly.  Running is one of many forms of voluntary discipline that can help increase stamina and resilience. Training for races gives us a chance to improve our endurance--physically and emotionally. Between racing events, we continue to do maintenance runs and try to stay healthy. Otherwise, our bodies and minds become deconditioned in just a few weeks. Daily discipline refines and preserves our bodies and minds, preparing us to face hardships in other areas of life.

Everyone goes through a refining process sooner or later. Every time we make it through a series of obstacles, our endurance improves. We learn to work through pain and fatigue. Yet, no matter how much we have gone through already, we are never fully prepared to handle all of life’s challenges. Time and time again, we are brought to our knees as we realize our limitations. We cry out to God in desperation and exhaustion. He runs alongside us, pushing us forward, even carrying us when needed.

Between each of life’s challenges, it is tempting to relax and indulge ourselves. We get lax in our training--we become consumed by distractions and pleasures, we spend less time in contemplation, our prayers become less intense. This results in spiritual deconditioning, which diminishes our ability to face the next challenge with trust and conviction. Thus, it is imperative that we remain disciplined and focused, refining and preserving our faith under all circumstances.

Lord, coach us through each of life’s challenges. Help us to improve and maintain our spiritual strength. Protect us from temptations.