Never Give Up!

Can you think of a time that you wanted to accomplish one important task and started off strong and ended up not doing it? I can recall so many times in my life that I have done this to myself. I would like to tell a story to you about finding a will and a way through a relationship with GOD.
I was asked in February to run a 15K race. I thought how bad could it be to run 9.3 miles? Little did I know that you really need to train for a race! Everyday I would try to run or walk at least 2 miles, but with two children, a husband and a 40 hour work week, this did not always happen. I started to wonder whether I would ever make it, but I knew I promised my friend and I needed to do this for myself! So as the weeks drew closer to the race, my hopes were fading that I would not be able to finish the race. I went to the All Saints’ Healing Service one Wednesday afternoon; I knelt down before the altar and asked for the Lord to give me strength in my body and mind to finish this race. This incredible man prayed for me. When he placed his hands on my shoulders I could feel the movement of the Lord through me. When he finished praying, he looked at me, holding my hands, and told me he felt the presence of the Lord in me and that if I felt I couldn’t run anymore to remember this moment, and the Lord would give me strength to finish. The day of the race came and my running partner and I prayed before the race started. As we ran I knew the Lord was with me because as I reached the 8 mile mark, I felt I wasn’t going to make it. I remembered the moment at the altar and I prayed “Lord give me strength” over and over again in my head. Just as clear as that Wednesday afternoon, I felt the Lord in my legs as they kept getting stronger and stronger. As we crossed the finish line I cried for two reasons. First, the Lord was always with me and second, I FINISHED! Thanks be to God!

Love and Blessings!
Valarie