Embracing Consistency Through Trials and Triumphs

Today marks day 15 of my consistency journey with running, and it’s been a rollercoaster so far. The path hasn’t always been smooth—days 9 and 10 were particularly tough. I felt like I hit a wall, emotionally and physically drained, with each step seeming more difficult than the last. I was tired, grumpy, and my poor husband, who has been incredibly supportive, running at a snail’s pace to keep me safe in the early morning darkness, had to deal with a grumpy Kim. Despite these challenges, I’ve kept running. It hasn’t been easy, and there have been moments when giving up seemed like the easier option. But then I remember Jesus—He didn’t give up on His mission, and that gives me strength to push through.

In Hebrews 12:1-2, we are reminded to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Just as Jesus persevered through His trials, I find the courage to continue my journey, despite the difficulties. His example encourages me to remain strong, even when the going gets tough.

It's not just my running that has been a challenge. Our teenagers have faced their own struggles in recent months, including dealing with bullies. We’ve been teaching them about putting on the armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6:10-11: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”

This week was particularly tough. Our eldest, feeling overwhelmed, expressed his frustration and talked about running away from school. In that moment, I turned to God in prayer, asking Him to place people in Ryan’s path to support and uplift him. God answered that prayer in a profound way. Ryan shared that while he was in the school bathroom, his best mate from Brazil showed up and encouraged him to come out. Later that day, a teacher asked Ryan to lead a prayer during chapel—a task he accepted and performed with great feedback from his younger brother. Alastair reported that the rest of the day went well.

This experience reaffirms the importance of consistent reliance on God. As we face our own trials and support our children through theirs, staying consistent in our faith and trust in God is so important. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us to “not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Thank you, God, for your continued answers to prayer and for the strength to remain consistent. Just as running has taught me about perseverance, so too has relying on God taught me about faith. May we all find the courage to face our challenges with the same determination, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.