Running With the I-Trainer!

Kim and I were down in South Carolina over the past few days to help take care of her parents. While here, we’ve been staying with Kim’s cousin and her husband who happen to have a Nordic Track treadmill in their basement, complete with a video screen that has tons of workout options. So, a couple of times this week I’ve run on the beaches of Costa Rica with an I-trainer (as he calls himself) via the video workouts.  It’s quite a different experience and actually makes the time go by quickly.  (It’s also made me want to go to Costa Rica!)

When the training video first comes up you see this incredible view of a Costa Rican beach and you meet your trainer for the session. He then begins to tell you what you will be doing during the session and then you begin to run.  As you go along, he is giving you information about the country, the people, the food. He talks about running and training, what to do and what not to do and all kinds of running tips. Most of all, he encourages you to keep on going, to keep on running, to not give up, to stay the course. At the end of the session, he encourages you one more time to come back and run some more. 

Ahh...Who wouldn't want to run on that beach?

As I was running on the Nordic Track this morning, I was thinking of how the role of the trainer in that video—or, any trainer for that matter—is actually very much like the role the Holy Spirit plays within the life of the believer. The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit has been sent to guide us, teach us, and encourage us.  It is the Holy Spirit who works to keep us moving on our spiritual run through life, helping us to keep the faith and to become all God intends for us to be.

Jesus said, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. “and, “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” (John 14:26; 16:13 -NIV) Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as the “paraclete”—that is, one who comes alongside another to comfort, encourage, and advocate for them.  Yes, we might say the Holy Spirit is our trainer!

I’m thankful when Jesus left this world to go back to the Father, he didn’t leave us to run by ourselves. Rather, he sent his Holy Spirit to run with us, helping us along the way, that we might make it all the way to the end of the race (i.e. heaven). He’s a terrific trainer!

Have a great day!

Pastor Tim Harris