When You’re Done – By Lisa Harper

It. Is. Finished. Allow me to share a little, since many of you have kindly shared your prayers and support. My very first marathon (26.2 miles) was 30 years ago in Detroit. Didn’t think I’d still be doing this at 50, after a 17 year break, and with many more gray hairs! It’s never easy.

At mile 18 I asked myself, “WHY am I doing this?” smile emoticon Have you ever felt this way? God sees the big picture. The last few miles are the hardest. Have you ever been desperate for help? I was. What about wanting to quit? I thought about it more than once during the race, honestly. Focusing on God’s Promises and saying them out loud several times REALLY helped me dig deep and get more courageous, particularly from miles 19-26.2. (Can’t lie. I was also looking forward to a piece of cake with tasty frosting that’s been waiting for me for days, along with a fun movie date with Scott Harper!)

God’s Word is powerful and alive, folks. Every step and every breath we take is a gift from God. So thankful to have my fine daughter, Victoria Harper, there to pray and cheer for us. She gave me a notecard with this verse on it from the Message, right before I left for the starting line: “I’ve picked you. I haven’t dropped you. Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear, for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.” (Isaiah 41:10). What a timely Word. Also, proud of Victoria Harper’s Cross Country and Track Coach from Spring Arbor University, Bryan Tyler Burk, who was FIFTH over all with a blistering time of 2:31. I finished the marathon 1 hour and 41 minutes after this fleet of foot fellow, and I’m thankful for it all. If you are facing a few challenges in your own marathon of life, remember to lift up your eyes to the Hills. That’s where our help comes from.