Running and Resting
Running and resting are two important characteristics that lead us to honor our Lord Jesus as faithful disciples.
Running and resting in Jesus, work together, so we can “run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV).
I’ve enjoyed running half marathons over the years—well, maybe not so much the pain part but mostly the accomplishment part. One thing I have never figured out is why do I pay someone a costly entrance fee to inflict pain upon myself. Hmmm… Yet, what I have figured out is that in my training leading up to the event I’ve learned the importance of “rest days” in-between running days so that my body can recover and grow stronger. In doing so, I’m able to run with endurance the race set before me. At least in theory… because I’m also able to “wimp out.”
I just read an article about running and resting in Jesus, titled, “Running and Rest Aren’t Opposites”, by Trevin Wax. I’d like to share with you from that article. Wax says this about running a marathon and running the race of the Christian life:
“Runners incorporate periods of walking and the occasional stop for water. So even when you plan to run a marathon, you’re factoring in slowdown periods and hydration breaks. Yet in those moments when you’ve slowed to a walk or stopped completely, you still say, “I’m running a marathon.” Why? Because rest is factored into the running… If we broaden the analogy for the Christian life, we can say we too are running a marathon. We’re in the race of faith. Even when we’ve ceased activity—even when we’re on vacation or celebrating the Sabbath—there’s a sense in which we’re still running. Our stillness is part of running the race.”
Wax goes on to say that,
“We’re saved by grace through faith, not by our works, and yet we know we’re called to work out our salvation… trusting the Spirit who wills and works through us (Phil 2:12-13). Why does running (the race of the Christian life) turn into restlessness? Most often, we’re trying to prove ourselves or we’re compensating for something we feel we lack, instead of running from a place of security and restfulness in Christ, with our confidence rooted in him. We learn to equate the faithful Christian life with restlessness, grounding our value in how useful we are to the Lord rather than in the reality that he wants us and loves us… Why does rest slip into resignation? Most often, it’s while facing periods of disappointment and disillusionment, when we wonder why we don’t see more spiritual progress. We begin to equate resting in God with ceasing all work, as if strenuous activity or striving that creates personal discomfort is less spiritual. Once we begin to equate spiritual maturity with our lack of action, our lack of service, or our lack of care and concern for others, the spiritual race gets radically transformed. Spiritual growth becomes little more than self-care.”
In the Christian life, running (or walking) by faith to do the Lord’s will, requires trusting in God’s strengthening grace to live out the good works he prepared for us (Eph 2:10; Titus 2:14, 3:8); but doing the Lord’s will, also requires resting in the Lord’s favor, to receive his recharging grace. Psalm 90:17, “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!” 2 Cor 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Running and resting are two important characteristics that lead us to honor our Lord Jesus as faithful disciples. Our sanctification journey of growing in godliness involves both: we run in the Spirit-led “activity” of love and obedience to Christ; and we rest in the Spirit-led “acceptance” of our identity in Christ through faith in the gospel (Eph 1:13-14; 2:8-10; Gal 5:22-25).
The Holy Spirit is transforming our lives when we run in obedience to honor our Lord Jesus through the good works he has prepared for us to do; and also when we rest in his favor. Favor is the grace of God in our lives. To rest in God’s favor is to rest in his power. Rest equals the peace of trusting in God. Rest means quieting all our racing thoughts, worries, and concerns, and turning them over to God. “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you” (1 Peter 5:6-7 NLT). The Message paraphrase puts Matt 11:28-30 this way: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
In Trevin Wax’s article, he says this:
“Yes, we run the race to win the prize, keeping our eyes on Jesus, striving with all our might in the Spirit’s power. And yes, we rest in Jesus, seeking to abide in his love, acknowledging we're saved by grace through faith, with our identity as God’s children secure in him… But running and rest aren't opposites. Running and rest aren't merely two aspects of the Christian life we must hold in tension or try to balance. Rightly understood, rest is present when we’re running, and we’re still running even when we’re resting… We find rest . . . in him. We run . . . in him. Running and rest. Don’t see them as opposites. Put them together. For the glory of God!”
I wanted to highlight some key points from the message I wrote last month which relates to Trevin’s Wax’s article. The spiritual race we are running is for the glory of God and requires Spirit-empowered endurance. “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2).
What Do We Win?
The PRIZE – "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:14).
How Do We Run?
The TRAINING – "Train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come" (1 Tim 4:7-8; 2 Tim 2:1-2).
The TEAM EFFORT – Unlike running a marathon, the Christian life is a "team effort" requiring unity of faith and a loving commitment to one another as members of a local body of believers. God’s Word calls us “members of one another.” (Rom 12:3-8; Eph 4:11-16; 1 Pet 4:7-11).
The SPIRIT'S POWER – By God’s grace and the Spirit’s power, we can overcome temptation and sin: “let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us” (Heb 12:1); By God’s grace, we will grow in the fruit of the Spirit and sanctification in Christ (Gal 5:22-25; 1 Thess 5:23-24).
How Do We Finish?
The FINISH LINE – When your life race is done, by the power of the Holy Spirit, you will be found in Christ, the Champion of our Faith, and arrive at the finish line of Heaven to receive a glorious and eternal welcome (Rom 8:29-30; Col 3:4; Phil 1:6; 3:20–21; 1 Jn 3:2).
Running and resting in Jesus, work together, so we can “run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne” (Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT).
In Christ,
Pastor Buck