In distant running, such as marathons and road running, there is a phenomenon called second wind that athletes may experience. There is a jolt of energy and strength the runner receives, however, seconds earlier filling their lungs with air seemed impossible and their bodies were ready to collapse mid stride.
To “catch your second wind”, as many say, helps press to top performance with less exertion. We are encouraged to run with endurance, but I believe sometimes we don’t steward the reasons which forced our second wind to engulf us.
Run on purpose
A special holiday has finally arrived for those in education-- the end of the school year. I am elated to begin my summer travels, but the last leg of this semester has roughly twenty days left. My patience, love, and faith has been tested. I almost didn’t make it this far; however, I drilled myself with a “Why Did I Go In Debt For This Again” pop quiz three times a week.
My answers continue to be: I strongly believed God called me to education; equipping other is a part of my purpose; teaching and studying language is my nerdy passion; and I understand young people need quality mentorship. Bonus question is quoting that I need to make peace that purpose and calling is not absent from adversity.
We are encouraged to run the race God has set before us. One stage of my life’s marathon of faith is to make an impact in the public school system (Hebrews chapter 12, verse 1). However, passing out before the finish line would have been easier, if I had not followed the first instruction given to us to endure the race. The second verse of Hebrews chapter twelve says, “fix[] our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”
Finishing the race strong occurs by cultivating our second wind. Perseverance is found looking in the face of Christ because it reflects hope, inheritance, victory, promise, and grace. God has not abandoned us, but he is a great coach who has given us the fullness of Christ to coach us in this race. So, there are times I have to take notes on the flexible patience and strategies Jesus used when teaching his disciples. In retrospect, how can you refocus in your personal or business relationships and ventures? Look at Jesus. Now, what do you see to power you forward?
Find the joy others can’t see
Let’s think about it for a minute. Death by crucifixion was a way to humiliate publicly criminals who were found guilty of capital punishment. Although Jesus was beaten, ridiculed, and denied to name a few, he found joy to endure the cross (Hebrews chapter 12, verse 2). Jesus is the forerunner of our faith, so we too persevere by finding joy in the darkest hour of life.
Jesus declared that if anyone would come after him then they must deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow him (Luke 9:23). The cross, as we know, is a symbol of pain and suffering and death. There are moments in a race, or any sport for that matter, athletes must forget their plans and listen the coach to achieve record goals.
The same for us as believers, we must put to death our own plans and desires, and then turn our lives over to Him and do His will every day.
I messaged my best friend recently saying I need to go study technology and coding. Her reply was felt to be encouragement as well as concern: “Well, how are you going to do that?” I simply replied with “determination” because we both knew I have no time or bank to start over in another career. Figuratively speaking, I must carry my cross to the top of the mountain of education. Regret and shame have tried to overtake me by stranger’s commenting how they could never choose the teaching salary no matter their desire.
Then, there are my parents who are not even sixty years old but for some time repeatedly asked what was my major and what subject do I teach. However, I scorn the shame of teaching because there is a joy hidden from bystanders and unbelievers of the burden I carry. Burden for generations of underprivileged youth, adults with learning disabilities, and misguided teenagers. This is because my heart is drawn to “the least of these” the Bible mentions. We have to find joy and refuse to be shamed, just like our Savior, while enduring obstacles on the way to glory.
Steady stride with accountability
Community provides safety and accountability for us to run purposeful. Our spiritual accountability’s job is not necessarily to aid us in dodging mistakes or hurdles. Yet, they are present to be guard rails that keep us on course and rear guard so we will not go backwards into destructive territory.
I believe cultivating perseverance also happens by having the right people cheering you on. We enter into what is called a steady stride--the point at which one functions most competently and consistently. Connecting to the Body protects us from self-centeredness/idolatry. “Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counselors they are established” (Proverbs chapter 15, verse 22)
I pray we ride the second wind to the finish line by keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, find joy on purpose, and understand that we endure at top levels when a part of an accountable community.
Tamika P. Smith lives in Texas, U.S.A. where she enjoys teaching high school students. She serves in the children, women, and prison ministry at her church.