I was recently reunited with my best friend, Martin Ivey, who just finished his completed 2 years at BSSM in Redding, California. Martin and I set out on a mission to help motivate each other to get in shape. To stay in normal human form, Martin and I require large amounts of physical activity since most of our diet revolves around Mike and Ikes, Sun Drop, and Fruit by the Foot.

I have always been moderately active; so I am in a little bit better shape than Martin. Because of the slight disparity, I run the loop while Martin rides a bike next to me. He has to ride slow, but it is one mile per hour fast enough to actually be considered “exercise.”

When Martin rides near me, I run faster and more easily. I noticed it the other day when I told him, “Usually I'm not able to do this.”

We were running and riding the other day when Martin started rambling out crazy notions. Something about how there “wasn't a bike lane” and how “it would hurt to get hit by a car.” I would have vocalized my emotions but I was too busy gasping for more humid air. So Martin turned and took another route that would meet me on the other side.

As soon as he left, I got tired. I started to notice how tired my legs were and how loud my breathing was. I instantly realized exactly how far away the finish line was and how much pain it would take me to reach it. When Martin left, I suddenly had options to choose from. I could keep going, I could slow down, or even stop or give up.

When Martin was beside me, I had no idea that those options even existed. My mimd, heart, and physical body were only aware of one possible outcome: running with Martin. Since that was the only scenario I knew, it was incredibly easy and enjoyable.

Fortunately, unlike Martin, the Bible says that God will never leave you or forsake you because of what Christ did for us on the cross. BUT, we have the choice to forget that God is with us. We can completely ignore the presence of God in our lives. We have control over opening and closing the gateway to doubt into our lives.

Life is sometimes like running the loop. Don't get too caught up in the destination if it keeps you from enjoying the process. Don't give doubt an inch in your life. And keep your eyes squarely on Martin... I mean God.