A Slow and Steady Pace, Finishes the Race

A marathon pacer

I remember when I ran the LA marathon last year, I was coached by another runner friend of mine to make sure that I find my desired "pacer" and stick with that person as long as I could. For those of you who may not be familiar with what a pacer is - a pacer is a volunteer runner that runs a race at a specific pace for a target finish time. They are usually veteran runners that have racing and pacing strategies that they've mastered for years. That is why it is always wise to follow the pace and cadence set by these experienced runners. Running too far ahead of these pacers will put you at risk of not only burning through your fuel reserves too early, but also hitting the dreaded "wall" - where your body just shuts down on you completely.

In many ways, God desires to be our pacer in the race of life. Our spiritual journey is very much like a marathon (as opposed to a sprint) and we need the Him to set a pace that will work best for us. Through God's Spirit, He establishes a cadence and rhythm of grace that helps us to run the race of faith with endurance. (Heb 12:1)

So as we respond to God's invitation to "slow down", our prayer for you as we approach the season of Lent is that you would do the same.

So may God teach you to run (and walk) in step with His Spirit...
May you discover the pace that comes with grace and ease (and not from striving)...
And may you learn to find more of Him in the slow and unhurried moments of your life.

“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.”

Matthew 11:28-30 MSG