I’m an avid dreamer. Some of my dreams are the result of eating or drinking something too close to bedtime while others are my soul trying to work out an inner dilemma or issue I’m wrestling with. I also believe that some of my dreams are from the Lord.
To some, this may seem like creepy Christian talk. Before you hurt yourself side-eyeing me, remember that God often spoke to his people in dreams and visions. That’s an Old and New Testament fact.
Don’t believe me? Read for yourself about Jacob, Joseph, Daniel, Joseph (Jesus’ Father), Pontius Pilate’s Wife, Peter, and Paul. (Just to name a few.)
Recently, I had a dream about running a race.
I started the race by watching people run past me. I was facing them as I walked to the starting line, so I could begin my run. I even saw a friend of mine run past me and she looked so happy.
As I started to run my leg of the race, I don’t recall knowing what the distance of the race would be. I even saw my friend from earlier finishing way ahead of me. I felt like I was just getting started and she was already running toward completion. However, I kept on running, staying focused, and finding a steady pace that worked for my breathing techniques.
At one point in my race, I distinctly remember being surprised at how well I was running without music or headphones and not getting tired. I didn’t want to be distracted by concentrating too much on my running performance, so I shifted my focus back to my breathing and putting one foot in front of the other.
As I continued to run, I noticed that there was some confusion about which path to take. Somehow, I made the right turn and kept on running on the path set before me. Then, there was an obstacle with a crowd of people and stanchions with roped-off areas. I had to dodge some people and jump over one of the ropes from the stanchions in order to go a different way, but I stayed in the race and on the path I was supposed to be on.
What I didn’t realize about these obstacles was the fact that they occurred as I was nearing the end of the race. I had an inkling I was toward the end but wasn’t quite sure. Thankfully, my endurance was still steady and I wasn’t out of breath.
As I came around the final turn, I started to see more and more people walking. I got excited but only ran past them at the same slow and steady pace. I saw the finishing threshold banner up ahead. I thought I was going to sprint the remainder of the way, but I couldn’t. When I tried, I got winded and knew that I had to go back to my slow and steady pace.
As I crossed the threshold, I had two girlfriends cheering me on and wanting to take pictures.
I wasn’t extremely winded or anything. I was just happy to have finished and was looking forward to a delicious meal.
(Of course, the anticipation of a good meal would make itself into my dream.)
I woke up that morning and immediately wrote down the details of the dream. I’m not always sure what every dream means (if it means anything), but I keep track of them and seek the Lord about the details. I pray over the dream before turning to the Bible for guidance. I also seek godly wisdom and counsel from trusted advisors God has placed in my life.
Several aspects of the dream stood out. For one, I’m not a long-distance runner in real life. I’ve made several attempts and so far, running six miles without walking is my max and that was when I was in supreme fitness shape. Now, I prefer a combination of walking and running because it’s easier on my knees and hips (the beauty of aging). I also prefer to keep my runs relatively short and sweet.
Second, I never run without setting a distance or time goal first. Once I have that goal, I ensure I have music or something in my ears to distract me from the run. The thought of doing any type of physical fitness activity without music makes me cringe. Music helps me stay motivated and not focus on the rigor of the activity.
Last was the pace. I was slow and steady, unbothered by the pace everyone else was going but knowing that I was going at the pace that was right for me. My naturally competitive nature was nonexistent. I wasn’t concerned about people passing me or those who finished before me.
As I continued to contemplate the details of the dream, I knew I needed to look up Bible verses on running a race. I know there were other areas of the dream that could be interpreted but I didn’t want to lean to my own understanding. Therefore, I turned to see what God’s word said and knew I wanted to share a few of the verses to encourage you as you run your race of faith:
- Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” (NLT)
- 2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.” (NLT)
- Isaiah 40:31 “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” (NLT)
You may be believing in faith for a new home, restoration for your marriage, the health of a loved one, a new business venture, a promotion and more. We are all waiting in faith for something. As you run the race of faith, you may feel as if you’re starting later than everyone else or it may appear that others are going faster and know exactly what direction they are going in. As you read the Bible verses above, remember that the race set before you is yours. It’s not your momma’s, your cousin’s, your best friend’s, or your coworker’s. Your race is meant for you and you alone. When we focus on God and seek ye first the kingdom, the Holy Spirit will guide and direct us in the way in which we should go. He has equipped us with whatever is needed to help us finish with victory. He also has perfect timing for when we are supposed to get there. He will give us the strength, courage and ability to overcome any obstacles that get in our way.
Stay faithful, don’t give up, and know that as you press toward the mark, as you strive for that finish line, you will gain a prize more valuable than any high-five from a friend. You will receive a “Well done, my good and faithful servant!” from the One who charted your win from the beginning.
