What a year 2020 was. As we all know now, the year had many twists and turns.
So, how have we handled these expected and unexpected circumstances? May I suggest that the ability to process these events to a large part comes down to one’s attitude and trust in the Lord. As my wonderful coach, Coach Bob Timmons, often said to me when faced with challenges particularly regarding attitude, “James, you don’t have to do this, you get to do this!” Attitude mattered then as Coach was refining me into a world class runner and it matters today as we face unexpected challenges in life and on the track.
Because of uncertainties in 2020 and the unchartered days ahead of 2021, anxiety can occur in anyone’s life. Anxiety is something we all face. How we handle this will determine our success in being victorious.
During my daily "appointment with the Lord" (a quiet time alone with the Lord), I’ve had some help with these thoughts from Dr. Charles Stanley’s daily devotional. Dr. Stanley addresses anxiety with the Bible verse I Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on Him (Jesus), because He cares for you.” That means fears, trials, apprehensions...will I have a cross country season...will I be in virtual learning forever...will I have an outdoor track season…will 2021 have a live Jim Ryun Running Camp (yes, we will, check out ryunrunning.com)? Only God knows the answers to these and many other questions. Dr. Stanley offers four suggestions in dealing with the unknown future.
You are of great value to God. “Look at the birds of the air…your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?” Matthew 6:26
You are not only useful to the Father; He also loves you unconditionally. “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” Jeremiah 31:3
He (God) is fully aware of your needs-even those you don’t know exist. He will supply them. “He who did not spare His own Son…how will He not also freely give us all things.” Romans 8:32
God is greater than whatever you face. “Cast your anxiety (cares) on Him, because He cares for you.” I Peter 5:7 God is in control...stop fearing…let go and let God have control of your life.
Is any of this easy? Yes and no. Will the virus, wearing masks, social distancing, ever end? But herein is the test. Do you love God and trust God enough that He is Sovereign and knows what is best? This is not unlike your coach having you do a particular workout that you have never done before. He has your best interest at the heart of what he is having you do.
I remember as a junior in high school, as we chased my becoming the first high school boy to run under four minutes in the mile, Coach Timmons gave me workouts that challenged me way beyond the boundaries of my comfort zone. One in particular changed my paradigm of thinking. On paper, the mileage was limited. But, in reality, it was a “humdinger” of an effort. After a good warmup, Coach had me run 1x1320 under 3 minutes, take a short rest of 1 minute, then run 1x440 under 60 seconds. My 17-year-old response was, “Wow! Is that even possible?” Not only was I going to experience a new level of pain, but more importantly, my thinking and trust that a four-minute mile could become a reality would move a step closer.
How does this relate to the four suggestions Dr. Stanley offers in dealing with anxiety, dealing with the future, will my life ever return to “normal?”
Just as I had to trust Coach Timmons that the workout mentioned above would move me closer to running under four minutes in the mile, so you and I must trust that God’s plan for our lives is the very best. Although there are more questions about the future than answers, we get to trust that God’s plan is superior to anything we think we have.
And now for the rest of the story. Coach Timmon’s workout was a success. My 1x1320 was 2:58. My 1x440 was 57.0. I experienced a brand-new level of pain. I ran 3:59.0 on June 4, 1964, finishing 8th in the field.
Life is an adventure. God has a plan for your life! Don’t let fear or anxiety steal what God has planned for you.
See you in Camp this summer!
Jim Ryun
