When I was little we used to play hide and seek.  My friends and I would all get together and decide who was "it."  Whoever was "it" had to close their eyes and count to a specific number.  As the person was counting, all of us would scramble around trying to find a place to hide.  Whoever was the last one to be found became "it" for the next round.

As the person counting was nearing the end, they would alway shout out, "Ready or not, here I come!" 

"Ready or not..."  What a phrase.  Sorta gloomy, unnerving, even foreboding at times.  Kinda makes me nervous.  I think of "ready or not," and my mind immediately begins to focus on the "NOT." It is like the race coming this weekend, "Ready or not, here IT comes."

As I have been preparing for this upcoming race this weekend, all sorts of thoughts have been running through my mind.  "Have I trained enough?" "What if I get cramps?"  "What if it starts raining?"  "What happens if I were to get tripped up?" 

The amazing thing about all of those thoughts are that they are all negative.  And I am a positive person!  Why then does my mind drift toward what could go wrong, when I hear "Ready or not?"  Could it be that I am really unprepared...haven't trained enough...do not have enough base miles under my belt?  No, I think it is because I am normal (although my wife and children may debate that!). 

I think that when we are facing the unknown, or something that we have never done before, our normal human (should I say, carnal?) reaction is to doubt that we are ready and able to take on the challenge.  Why is that?  I say it is because of our pride that tends to focus everything on self.  When I doubt my ability or preparation, what I am really saying is that it is all up to me.  It is all about me, my abilities, my training, and my focus.  However, the Apostle Paul brings in a different perspective when he writes that very familiar statement to the Philippian church, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." (Phil. 4:13)

We love that verse, and the fact that it tells us that we can do all things through Christ.  We focus of the all things through Him.  Yet, when I am running...long, hard distances...I am reminded of another verse that brings me even more stability and faith.  Jesus said in John 15:5, "...apart from me, you can do nothing." (NIV)  Wow!!  The pressure's off!!  It doesn't depend only upon my effort, no matter what the issue...or race!  Without and apart from the help and presence of Jesus, I cannot do anything!

Why does that excite me?  Because Jesus also said that He would never leave me or forsake me...that He would be with me until the end of the age! (see Matt. 28:20)  So, ready or not, doesn't only depend on me (yet I know I have to do my part, trust me).  My focus needs to be on Christ and His provision...always...whatever the circumstance...or trial...or struggle...or half-marathon.

Well, that's all I've got...See ya...I've gotta run!