Margaret Lim – Margie's Notes

Lessons from a Park Run

Photo from Unsplash

In April this year I did something I have never done before… I took part in a Park Run. My daughter, who participates regularly in this event was staying for the weekend and suggested that I go with her to a park about ten miles away where a Park Run was taking place. The arrangement was that she would run as usual while I would take the dog for a walk round the park and observe the proceedings with a view to taking part myself another week.

The thought of visiting somewhere different appealed to me, so I happily went with her on the Saturday, with Poppy the dog in tow. Poppy enjoyed the new smells and I enjoyed strolling around the park, which was a beautiful open space set surprisingly in the middle of an industrial estate.

I had been aware for a while that I needed to take more exercise and increase my level of fitness so I thought I would go the following week and sign up! There was a sense of excitement at trying something new and taking positive steps to improve my general health and sense of wellbeing. Aware that it would be quite easy to lose confidence and change my mind, I asked a friend if she would come with me. To my delight she agreed and we set off together the next Saturday, I wearing a track suit and trainers and my friend wearing jeans and a winter coat! As we parked the car and walked up to the starting area I experienced a feeling of nervousness mixed with excitement as I realised how committed many of the other participants were, dressed in serious sports attire and doing warm up exercises before the starting whistle blew.

I signed up, my friend explained that she was just coming to support me on this one occasion, we joined the runners lined up to start, and soon we were off.

The Run, or in our case the Walk, was a good and stimulating experience and certainly stretched us both. Afterwards we visited the cafe and enjoyed a well-earned coffee and toasted teacake. On the way home we reflected on how there were a number of aspects of our Park Run experience which had parallels to our Christian journey and walk with Jesus:

Take the first step

It was necessary to make the decision to take that initial step and get up on a Saturday morning, drive to the event and get started. It would have been easy to have put it off till the next week, or the next, or the one after that…

The idea to try this had initially come from my daughter Hannah, and I responded. Likewise, with the Christian message; If you have been told of God’s love for you and been introduced to the gospel message, or felt a prompt to respond to God’s call on your life, and to take that initial step of believing and accepting Jesus as your Saviour then I urge you not to put it off or wait till you feel like it or have more time. Do it today and trust Him to help, support and guide you on the journey.

There is support

One of the things that I found incredibly encouraging was the support given, both by other participants and the Park Run marshals. At intervals around the route there were friendly marshals who would give a smile, a wave and a word of encouragement… ‘You’re doing great… keep going… well done!’ For a first-timer like me it was reassuring to find that people were watching out for me and noticing my efforts, not comparing me to other, faster people. How much more will God encourage us as we walk this journey of faith. He will give us help if we ask him.

‘Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need ‘ (Hebrews 4:16 NIV)

Support came from two main sources; firstly, from the person who started us off, who gave clear instructions, explaining the route and how many laps were needed to complete the course. Secondly, from those doing the run with me. Watching others in their determination spurred me on to keep going myself. In particular I remember an elderly man with a stick and had obvious difficulty in walking, who was moving doggedly, persisting with his mission, despite his impediments. My friend who walked with me was an encouragement simply because she was there walking with me, chatting along the way. On other occasions I would walk with someone who had the same pace as myself and we would find out a bit about each other, sharing about our families, dogs, work and travels. This would often give me something to think about, a different way of looking at things, new ideas. things to try. I reflected that this is similar in our Christian walk; we need the fellowship and companionship of others to encourage us. God gave us each other. He never meant us to go it alone. We need to seek out and stay in relationship with fellow believers encouraging and praying for one another. A close spiritual friend and prayer partner is a wonderful gift and I have some very close and dear friends with whom I have shared and prayed over many years.

At the rear were two lovely ladies known as the Tail Walkers, whose job was to ensure everyone who wanted to complete the Run was able to do so and would not get left behind. There was no pressure to complete it in a set amount of time. Each person could take the time they needed. Our heavenly Father also supports us in our journey, walking behind us to give protection and encouragement and allowing us to go at our individual pace according to our needs.

For the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard. (Isaiah 52:12b NIV)

The Tailwalkers from time to time would warn us of potential dangers or hindrances…’ watch out for the low hanging branch ahead… the path is slippery just here, so go carefully… runners coming up on your right…’Likewise, God has given us the Holy Spirit to warn and advise us of things which might cause us to slip or stumble, or which might cause us harm. Let us heed the warnings. He wants us to keep going and complete the course!

Persevere!

Although the option is there to drop out, the intention should be to complete the race.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes upon Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith… (Hebrews 12: 1-2a NIV)

There will always be times when we get tired, discouraged and distracted, but it is at such times of difficulty that we need to ask others to pray for us and give us their support. in our Christian race we must keep our eyes on Jesus, spending time with Him in prayer and through the Bible. He will provide help and strength along the way. This may sometimes include stopping to rest.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. (Psalm 23:1-3 NIV)

Get rid of hindrances

The serious runners wore proper gear in the Park Run. I do not have much in the way of sports gear but I do have trainers and a track suit. After a couple of weeks my trainers were beginning to hurt and rub my feet so I found a different pair which were more comfortable.

What hindrances do we try to put up with in our Christian race which inhibit us? It might be worries, fears, lack of commitment, bad habits, persistent sins, unhelpful relationships or insufficient spiritual nourishment and support. If you can identify with any of these- and we all have something which keeps rearing its head to trip us up-I would encourage you to seek help from a spiritual leader or close Christian friend.

Aim for the finish line

When, after the three circuits of the park, we staggered up to the finish line amidst shouts of ‘Well done…you did it!’ and applause, the relief was huge! We achieved great satisfaction from having completed the run and achieving the goal.

Imagine how much more wonderful will be the Master’s voice saying ,’Well done, good and faithful servant!’

I want to finish my race and hear Him say that to me. In the Park Run my reward was the satisfaction of achievement plus tea and cake, but the heavenly reward will be something far more amazing which lasts for eternity, and the joy of honouring Jesus, my Saviour and Lord.

Keep going, my friend, and complete the course.

A Tree Planted By The Water

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. (Psalm 1: 1-3)

In 2023 we experienced the driest Spring and Summer in England for many years. In fact, on some days temperatures exceeded 40 degrees, which is unprecedented in this country. As a result, grass once green and lush was now an orangey brown and many ponds and streams had dried up. When I took my grandchildren to a local park it was unrecognizable as the beautiful place it once was, with dry earth and dead grass instead of the grassy slopes which had always characterized it.

Our local ‘dew pond’, which a few months ago had been full of water with ducks swimming there, was now completely empty, with only dry, cracked earth and no ducks.

We were officially experiencing drought, and there was concern about the future, with regard to food production and water shortages. Many are living in fear of our natural resources – which we have all taken for granted – running out. Towards the end of the summer we had a day of quite heavy rain, and it was so refreshing and uplifting to see areas of grass beginning to show green again. It reminded me of how dependent we are upon God for life-giving water.

Yet Psalm 1 tells us that those who set their hearts and minds on God, and who delight in Him, are resourced by the living water which flows from the heart of God. A constant supply of blessing which never runs dry. So what are these blessings which come to the ‘righteous person’?

Stability

‘Our leaves do not wither’. The leaves remain fresh and green, even in drought conditions. When trials and pressures come, although we may still be affected, we have hope, strength, peace and God-given wisdom. We will not collapse under the strain. A close friend of mine, who is suffering from Motor Neurone Disease, is a living testimony of this. Now living in a Nursing Home, despite her weakening physical condition she is at peace in her spirit, trusting God for the strength she needs each day. Rather than becoming consumed by fear she is resting in God’s love, and moreover is sharing her faith with other residents by holding a weekly ‘Songs of Praise’ meeting.

Prosperity

‘Whatever he does prospers’. This, I believe, means that if we are aligned with the will of God everything we do will come from our relationship with Him and we will find joy and fulfilment in it. Our lives will be purposeful and productive. We will be able to maintain focus and clear vision even when there is confusion and fear in the world around us. Psalm 37 expresses it thus: ‘The days of the blameless are known to the Lord, and their inheritance will endure forever. In times of disaster they will not wither, in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.’ (Psalm 37:18 &19 NIV)

Our needs will always be met, sometimes supernaturally, because we stay close to the Lord and listen to Him. I believe this also includes protection. Some friends of mine who travel to various places in the UK preaching, teaching and ministering, are a real example of this. They described how, on one occasion, they were due to travel to Bedfordshire to lead a Bible study but severe weather conditions meant that motorists were advised not to travel unless essential. There was a hurricane forecast. They prayed and asked the Lord to show them if they should cancel the meeting, but sensed He was telling them to travel as planned and to depend on Him for their safety. They made the journey unscathed, and shared later that debris was being blown all around their car, but not one object actually touched them. They declared that the safest place to be was in the will of God.

Fruitfulness

‘He is like a tree planted by the water which yields its fruit in season’.

We will show kindness and generosity to others, giving help and encouragement to those who need it. A true example of this was a dear friend, now passed away, who never failed to have time to listen to those with problems and needs and whose gift of hospitality meant that not a week went by without her welcoming folks into her home, whether to offer a listening ear, counsel and comfort to friends going through challenges, to welcome a newcomer into the area, looking after neighbours’ children or providing a meal for someone needing friendship and support.

We will hold fast to God’s Word and live by it, demonstrating honour and trustworthiness, truth and wisdom, in every situation acting with integrity. Our outliving of the love of God will provide a safe place to which others are drawn.

*We will bear good fruit even in times of difficult*y

How can we achieve this? How do we ‘delight in the Lord’?

Once we have accepted Him into our lives as Saviour and Lord we need to develop our relationship with Him, nurture it and allow it to grow. The phrase ‘dwell in His presence’ is often used, or ‘being in the secret place’ with Him. This requires commitment and many of us find it difficult, but really I feel it is like knowing Him as a friend, while maintaining an awareness of His awesomeness, power and holiness. Psalm 25: 14 says ‘The Lord confides in those who fear Him; he makes His covenant known to them. (NIV)How amazing that the Creator of the universe loves us as individuals and desires our friendship!

It is about placing Him at the centre of our lives and allowing everything we do to flow from our relationship with Him. I have expressed this in varying ways through the Reflections in this book but in summary I believe the necessary disciplines include the following:

Praising and worshipping God for who He is; acknowledging His greatness, holiness, majesty and power and maintaining an attitude of thankfulness and praise.

Reading and meditating on His Word, the Bible, so it becomes part of us, shaping our thoughts, words and actions.

Talking to Him in prayer and listening for His response, following through with what He tells us; bringing all our needs to Him, trusting Him in every situation as a faithful God who hears our prayers; giving thanks for His love and provision.

Keeping short accounts with God. Being quick to seek forgiveness when we have done wrong and also forgiving those who have hurt us.

Being ready to obey Him if we sense He is asking us to do something and trusting that He will equip us to do the task; not beating ourselves up if we fail, but coming to Him for forgiveness, renewed strength and encouragement to get up and try again. Be honest with Him about our struggles and fears.

Keeping in mind that we are in a spiritual battle with an enemy who wants to discourage us to the point of giving up, but believing that God has given us the victory through Christ Jesus; putting on our ‘spiritual armour’ (Ephesians 6: 11-18), and standing firm on the truths we believe.

Stay focused, always remembering that God has set a particular path unique to us, or ‘race’ as described in Hebrews 12:1. We are encouraged to run that race with patience and endurance, our goal being to complete the course and enter into the presence of Jesus to receive our heavenly reward.

If this seems like a tall order, or an impossible task, take heart! To reiterate the message in “The Good Steward” , we are not expected to do it on our own…that is impossible. But God is for, not against us. He is patient, loving and understanding. His Spirit is in us to help, guide, strengthen and encourage us. And Jesus is waiting at the finish line to welcome us.

Praise God! Let me encourage you to keep going on your journey of faith with Him.

This Reflection opened with Psalm 1. Similar thoughts are expressed in Psalm 92, with beautiful imagery, also of trees and plants:

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, ‘The Lord is upright, He is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in Him’. (Psalm 92: 12-15: NIV)

Prayer

Father God,

I praise you for your love, your Word and your faithfulness. I want to be constantly resourced by your living water so I produce good fruit and stay fresh and green. Please help me to remain in your presence and be a living testimony to your goodness.

Amen

The Greatest Invitation

We love to receive invitations. There is something very special about being wanted and chosen to be included in an event. It means that someone values you and would like the pleasure of your company for a period of time, maybe a few hours, a day, or more.

But there is one invitation that surpasses any other, and that is the invitation of Jesus to you to spend, not just a few hours of days, but all of your life and into eternity in a wonderful relationship with Him.

On my office wall is a picture which always stirs my heart. It is called ‘Jesus, the Light of the World’ by William Holman Hunt. It depicts Jesus holding a lantern, standing outside a wooden door, knocking.

The Light of the World- William Holman Hunt

The door is surrounded by brambles and weeds and has a neglected feel about it. Indeed, one might wonder if there is anyone living there at all. Yet Jesus is patiently standing, waiting and knocking. How long has He been there? How long will He wait and what will be the outcome?

Revelation 3: 20 says, ‘Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come in and eat with him and he with me. ‘ (NIV)

As a child I used to accompany my mum when she collected money for a charity known as the Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen. This involved delivering envelopes to households in the local area and then calling to collect them a few days later, hopefully containing donations. It fascinated me to observe the varying responses from the different people. Some would answer but be abrupt in their response, even rude, while others would not answer at all, leaving us standing uncertainly for several minutes before turning away. The most pleasant responses were when the door was opened wide and we were greeted with a warm smile and an envelope containing a prepared donation. The person would wish us well and we would go on or way feeling blessed and encouraged.

Let us return to the picture. As I look at Jesus knocking on the door I wonder who is on the other side and how they will choose to respond. Will they ignore His knock altogether, will they take a long time to answer, coming to the door slowly and reluctantly, maybe with fear and suspicion? Will they be rude and abusive, ending with an outright rejection, or will their response be one of warmth, welcome and joyful acceptance?

Jesus promised that to those who open the door of their hearts and receive Him as Lord and Saviour there will be abundant life, both now and for eternity. He said, ‘I will come in and eat with him and he with me.‘ This is the beginning of a close personal relationship between Jesus and the person accepting Him, which will grow as they get to know Him. This is His amazing invitation to us.

Jesus offers us: Forgiveness and promise of eternal life, unconditional love, peace, hope, security, truth, purpose, help and strength with difficulties. Why would anyone decline this offer? It truly is the greatest invitation of all.

As I contemplated this I asked the Lord, ‘how do you feel when people don’t respond to your knocking?’ I sensed that His reply was, ‘I feel the pain and disappointment that you would feel if one of your children had left home and did not contact you or show any interest in relating to you. Think how you feel when you prepare their room and they do not come back, when you are disappointed again and again with no calls or messages, when you watch and wait but they do not come, or worse, if they were to say they wanted no more to do with you. That is how I feel. But I keep waiting and knocking, in the hope that one day they will respond and welcome me in. ‘

As the Lord said this I felt an ache in my heart, giving me a just a small sense of how His heart aches. He longs to come in and have fellowship with each of us, changing our lives with His unconditional love. In these days of fear and uncertainty with so many unsettling and frightening events happening in the world, there is no safer place to be than in a close relationship with Jesus.

How will you respond to Jesus’ knock? I encourage you with all my heart to take that step; accept His invitation to you by opening the door of your heart and inviting Him in. He will not force His way in; there is a handle only on the inside of the door.

You will never regret it. Jesus is the Light of the World, the Son of God. He loves you and died to save you.

Do not delay; accept His great invitation today.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

If you choose to ask Jesus in, here is a simple prayer to help you take this life-changing step:

Dear Lord Jesus,

I believe that you are the Son of God and that you died to save me. Please come into my life today and forgive me for all the wrong I have done. I want to start afresh and live my life in close relationship with you. Thank you Jesus.

Amen