You have Strength Enough for this...

So today was certainly a day for accomplishments...

Well, really it's more a day of one BIG accomplishment.

Today, I conquered the Shamrock run in downtown Portland.

For those of you who do not know, the Shamrock run has three races that are happening, simultaneously. The options are a 5K, 8K, or 15K. 

Guess which one I ran....

the 15K!!!

(That's a total of 9.3 miles....)

Never in my life would I have thought I would accomplish (let alone attempt) a feat such as this. But today I ventured the impossible, and by the Lord's grace, I crossed the finish line victorious.

This experience has forever change my life, and this is why...

Several months ago, some of the beautiful women I live with came up with the idea that our house should get a team of girls together to participate in the Shamrock Run. This was my initial reaction:

"That's such a great idea! I know this will be a wonderful way to get some of the girls involved. I should encourage anyone who is interested to participate."

Little did I know, the Lord had other plans for me with this run other than just encouraging the other women. he wanted me to run it too. As I began to think about this overwhelming possibility, I thought to myself, "well, I could probably run the 5K, and if I feel like I really want to push myself, I could run the 8K....that should be good, right?"

Wrong.

The Lord began putting this race on my heart. He began giving me motivation and interest to challenge myself. At first I was hesitant. I started to talk back to God with things like, "But Lord, you didn't make me a runner." and "9 miles! God, you know I could never run THAT far!" And you know what His response was?

"Holly, I made your body. I formed your talents and skills. In your strengths, you must practice giving glory to Me, and in your weaknesses you must believe I am able to show My glory through that. You can do all things through My Son, Jesus, who strengthens you. If you want to be a runner, have faith, and I can help you become one. Step out onto the sea of uncertainty with faith, and allow Me to show you what you are capable to do with My strength."

That is a lot to swallow. But I obeyed (for once), and signed up for the 15K.

After that, there was no turning back.

Did I mention this run took place primarily on the Terwilliger Curves?
Yeah, I thought not.

The training was difficult at times, but the Lord was truly faithful to cover me in those days that were so hard and when I was unmotivated. 

As I continued training, I came to the realization that God made me a runner, not because I was naturally good at it, but because running is something that requires me to fully rely on His strength to do.

Isn't that a humbling thought.

Anyway, today was the day of the race, and the Lord continued to show me His grace, just like he did during my training.

The point of this post is not to brag about my accomplishments (sorry if it came off that way), but the point was to encourage all of you that as you learn to lean on God, because He is always faithful to hold you up. 

You can accomplish anything...

did you catch that?

ANYTHING through His strength and mercy.

Well, I hope someone found this helpful or encouraging.

Happy Belated St. Patty's Day Everyone!