Religion of a Runner
I was saved at an early age but think it was more to do with the pressure of Sunday school & VBS more than anything. I knew the stories but they were that, stories. High school was a struggle with the added pressures of fitting in and the ladies, but i was very involved with my youth group, choir and world changers mission projects that taught me the practical application of hard work and helping others. The first half of College (private Baptist University) was an eye opener to the world of freedom and the pitfalls that come with that and I did my share of discovering, but of course while always making it to Sunday morning & Wednesday night services. I lacked the personal and practical application of religion. Then around 2008 Bo, my teammate and still one of my best friends, invited me to Redstone Church. Redstone is a little, dark (which i enjoyed due to the fact I don't like bright light) community church based as a satellite of Northpoint (ATL mega church). Andy Stanley presented the gospel like no one I had ever heard before, there was humor, truth, practical application that inspired me and challenged me to no just listen but to meditate and act on the messages that where presented each week. I was finally alive in my relationship to God and on fire for Him. I brought as many people as could fit in my jeep with me each week and never missed a Sunday. Since moving away to Boone, NC I still watch the sermons post long run each week on their website (www.redstonechurch.org). I understand now that I am far from perfect and that a personal relationship with Christ, like running, requires the time and faith if you want (spiritual) growth. I still consider myself a kid when it comes to spiritual maturity and thinking it will get any easier when you get older is exactly what will hold you back. I find myself struggling with the same little mistakes I made back in high school and college but I pray to be tested daily and to have to faith in Christ to get me through the trials. I was posed this question recently and would like for you to think about how it can be applied in your own life "With all your given talent, time, and resources given to you, what would you do If you knew God was completely faithful?