The Pursuit

DON’T DEFINE THE FINISH LINE

BY JIMMY PAGE

“This is my command — be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” — JOSHUA 1:9 (NLT)

y family has always loved the adventure of the In the Bible, Joshua learned these same lessons as mountains, long before we moved to Colorado. he took over leadership of God’s people — the nation As a Spartan racer and cyclist, I crave the constant of Israel. He was facing challenges he didn’t think he physical and mental challenge that the outdoors could handle. After all, leading millions as part of a giant present. I feel like I am home. relocation would be daunting enough. Add in the fact that

So when I went out to ride the Rist Canyon he would have to displace others (probably in battle) and Road loop, I knew I was in for a long day. Others had you have a really big obstacle ahead! He didn’t know what warned me of the relentless climbs and challenging he was capable of yet, but he knew he would have to rely descents. Oh, and don’t forget the altitude. I was on the power and presence of God. He had to trust and truly looking forward to it with a mix of go-for-it and step into the fray. dread. I reviewed the course map, got geared up, “This is My command — be strong and courageous! Do and jumped on the bike. not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with

It was a perfect day. I handled Bingham Hill you wherever you go ... [The Israelites] answered Joshua, easily and took the turn onto Rist Canyon. At ‘We will do whatever you command us, and we will go about 16 miles in, I began to grow weary of all the wherever you send us.” — Joshua 1:9, 16 climbing, and wondered how far I was from the Ultimately, God would reveal what Joshua was made summit. I knew once I of and remind him of His power. All reached the top, most of Joshua had to do was commit to the ride would be rolling hills and descent. But I had True toughness and the whatever and wherever. He didn’t need to know where the finish line no idea how much further I had to go. My legs were warrior spirit are found as was or all the details of the journey. Forging mental toughness heavy and I started to fatigue. I played mental games, you push on when the end is nowhere in sight. and grit requires that we take on challenges that push our outer limits. Comfort and convenience don’t counting my pedal strokes produce a warrior mindset. Making and even praying the excuses won’t either. We will never Lord’s Prayer a few times. But the climbing just kept expand our capabilities until we are pushed to and brought coming. Finally, with a long road stretched out in face to face with our breaking point. And we may never front of me heading toward the sky, I decided to get truly experience the full power of God until we step way off the bike and take a break. I would do this two out of our comfort zone and can’t see the finish line. more times before reaching the top, at one point When you know you only have one mile to go or 30 more even walking my bike upwards for about 100 yards. I pushups, it’s easy to endure. But true toughness and the thought I had reached the breaking point. warrior spirit are found as you push on when the end is When I finally rode to the top, I was mad at nowhere in sight. myself for stopping because I think I could have made it if I knew how far I had to go. But the rest of the ride was still grueling as I ran out of water, food and energy. I was beat. This challenge did two things for me: CHALLENGE YOURSELF:

REVEAL — It revealed to me that I have a long way to go to create the warrior mindset and grit 1. In what areas are you taking the easy road? that I desire. Challenges like this, where there is no defined finish line, are necessary to show you what you’re made of. They give you the facts you need to 2. What is one thing you will challenge yourself with that is likely to reveal and remind? become the person you want to be.

REMIND — It reminded me that I need the power and presence of God, especially in the Jimmy Page serves as the Executive Director of Field Ministry for hardest moments. Just when you are ready to give FCA. He is a competitor, speaker and author of “One Word,” “True up, God can help you overcome, if you let Him. Competitor,” “Life Word,” “WisdomWalks” and “Called to Greatness.” He and his wife started a cancer foundation called Believe Big following her victory over cancer. They live with their four children in Colorado. You can reach him at jimmy@fca.org, Twitter @jimmypage37, or www.jimmypage.us.