Running and Puddle Dodging

Today was one of those days where there was an early morning rain and then for the rest of the day it looked like a torrential downpour could occur at any moment. Yes, it looked like rain and it smelled like rain. But there wasn't any rain. Just dampness in the air and remaining puddles on the ground.

I decided to take my chance and run outside. After all, it wasn't raining. There wasn't even any wind to cause worry about mulchy dust specks flying into my eyes or my mouth like Monday's run. It was in the 50's too, another plus factor.

I am happy to say, I made the 3 mile run without a sprinkle of rain falling on my head. In fact, the dreary and damp day made for a relatively quiet run. The roads were quiet. The sidewalks were quiet. And I think I saw only one dog out in their back yard.

The quiet run did my soul much good despite the puddles I had to dodge here and there. At times I felt tempted to run right through the puddles. My new shoes brought me to my senses though. How could I get them all wet and dirty?

My run went well. I felt good all around - my pace, my shoes, my ability to keep a prayerful attitude. As I dodged the puddles I found myself praying that those I were lifting before the feet of Jesus, those running on their own spiritual course, would be able to dodge the things necessary to finish the race.

When I thought about and prayed for my fellow brethren trying to dodge the things that would otherwise tarnish the character of Christ being conformed in them, I wondered how many would really finish? How many would get weary of the puddles and just run right in them, bringing shame to the Name they bear? How many would just give in, cave in, or just plain quit?

The race of faith requires we do some puddle dodging. To be sure, storms are looming and puddles will appear around the next bend. What will we do? For the sake of Christ, His Name and His Kingdom, I hope we'll get good at puddle dodging and remember this promise: "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it." 1Corinthians 10:13