"By your endurance you will gain your lives." Luke 21:19
It takes endurance to complete an Ironman and at age 54 wanted to know if I had what it takes. A 3.8km. swim, 180km. bike and 42.2 km. run beckoned.
I sought God for assurances that I would complete it and asked for His guidance for all my training. I felt Him say that I would complete it.
On race day, a mist delayed the start by a few minutes, and then we were off. The water ahead and around me was frothing up with arms thrashing and feet kicking, splashing, violently. Soon I forgot the cold and got into a swim pace. After that swim, a long bike ride through the beautiful New Forest in Hampshire, UK. Doing roughly 3 loops, with some feed stops. It was a hot, sunny day and pleasant to bike in. I felt like giving up twice. After the swim because of a slight knee ache, and on the bike with about 53 kms. to go. The mind works in funny ways (wants to give up), but it also overrides negative thoughts. On the last three km. I could see the runners and knew I would be completing the Forestman, as this Ironman was called. Because the run was my strength.
Lots of people were walking some of the run stage. We were clearly hot and tired, and there was still lots of time. The sun was hot and reflecting off the gravel path, but it was okay. I completed it successfully in 15 hours, 22 minutes. Dawn to dusk, and within their time parameters. I told God I wanted to glorify Him and write about it.
Just as it took endurance and discipline to complete the Forestman, it also takes those two things to get through trials. During trials you also feel like giving up at times, but if you persevere you will complete God's purpose. The event built character, and so do trials. At the end of the Ironman I got a medal, and at the end of trials God rewards you.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be! TRUST JESUS NOW
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