“Run with endurance the race God has set before us.” – Hebrews 12:1 (NLT)

When Life Knocks You Down

Life has a way of knocking us off our feet. Maybe you’re there right now—overwhelmed, discouraged, questioning whether you can keep going. I want to encourage you: don’t throw in the towel. The Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon I just ran mirrored the year I’ve had—exhausting, uphill, and full of moments I wanted to quit. But I finished. And through it, God reminded me: tough seasons don’t last, but if we stay in the race, victory lies ahead.

A Chaotic Start

Last Saturday began in chaos. My wife and I were already cutting it close when we realized she had forgotten her race bib. We had to turn around, drive back, and get it. We hadn’t stretched. Our water bottles weren’t filled. Parking was a nightmare—thousands had already arrived.

Once we finally parked, we had just 20 minutes before the race began—and we were nearly a mile away from the start line. We had to sprint the whole way. It was already humid, my heart rate was soaring, and I hadn’t even started the marathon yet. While I stopped at a First Baptist Church nearby to fill my bottles, the race began. Though my corral hadn’t yet been released, I had no time to stretch or mentally prepare. This was not a good start to a race that I had spent months training for. 

The first four miles were rough. Nashville’s hills and humidity were unforgiving. I messaged my wife, feeling discouraged, saying our morning had set me up for failure. I couldn’t shake the memory of two years ago—how I crashed at mile 18 with leg cramps. But this time, it felt like I was hitting the wall right out of the gate. A voice in my head whispered, “There’s no way I can finish 26.2 miles.”

“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” – 2 Chronicles 15:7 (NKJV)

The Shift Begins with Praise

Then came mile 5. A 70s-themed band was cheering, singing, and finger shooting runners—ridiculous, but perfect. It made me laugh and shook me out of my mental funk. I remembered: I’ve trained for this. I love this city. I’m right where I’m supposed to be. Let’s enjoy the moment.

At that same mile, I remembered to give God praise for:

• The opportunity to run
• The body He gave me
• Godly friends
• The beautiful city of Nashville

Gratitude goes a long way in turning the tide of a bad start. My whole perspective shifted in that moment.

Everything shifted. I hit that runner’s high. I looked around and saw people limping and cramping, but I felt strong. It was a total reversal from my race two years ago—and it reminded me how crucial encouragement is.

The Power of Encouragement

At mile 14, I spotted friends on the sideline. One of them, Kaleb, handed me an ice-cold bottle of water. I drank some, dumped the rest on my head—and wow—it shocked my system awake. From then on, I did that at every hydration station. It was a game changer.

But even more than the water, just seeing someone who cared made a huge difference. It was a reminder of the importance of having godly people in our lives. These are the people who lift us up when we feel like giving in.

“Two are better than one… For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NKJV)

Facing the Mile That Broke Me

This was the mile that broke me two years ago. But not this time. No cramps. No panic. In fact, I saw a runner struggling and handed him a gel. “Stay the course,” I told him. “There’s hydration just ahead.”

We go through hard seasons not just for our growth, but to help others. That’s the beauty of the Church—we don’t run alone.

“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NKJV)

Finishing Stronger Than I Started

Around mile 24, my wife texted me: “Your kids are excited to cheer you in!!! Finish strong!!! #5 is almost DONE!!! I am beyond proud of you!!!”

I replied: “Feeling good.” That short message said everything—it meant I was focused, strong, and ready to cross the finish line.

When I did, with the crowd cheering, it was emotional. I kissed my medal and nearly cried. This race meant more. It represented a year of struggle, growth, and perseverance. A mental marathon. There were days I wanted to quit. But I didn’t. I stayed in the race.

Here’s what this marathon reminded me:

• Endurance is built, not given
• Progress happens through setbacks
• Community matters and encouragement is fuel
• Every season has a finish line

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.” – 2 Timothy 4:7 (NLT)

What This Race Taught Me

Endurance doesn’t just happen—it’s built through effort, setbacks, and steady progress. Whether you’re cruising or crawling, don’t stop. Surround yourself with people who speak life. Be that voice for someone else.

As marathoner Kathrine Switzer once said:

“If you are losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon.”

She’s right. There’s something sacred about watching people push through pain, strangers helping strangers, and seeing victory born from struggle.

Stay in the Race

Maybe your life feels like mile 1—chaotic, hot, and off to a rough start. Or maybe you’re at mile 18, tempted to quit. Don’t. Stay in the race. Keep the faith. You’re going to finish stronger than you started.

Let me ask you: Where are you in your race right now? Who’s cheering you on? Who can you encourage?

Drop a comment or send me a message. Let’s share our stories, lift each other up, and keep moving forward—one step at a time.

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it.” – Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)