Did you know that people compete in 100-mile races called ultra-marathons? In the last 50 miles, the racer is allowed to have a pace runner accompany them to the finish line. The first job of the pace runner is to push the racer to continue moving at the necessary speed. Additionally, the pacer may be called upon to make important decisions if the runner becomes “mind numb” due to exhaustion. In his book, “Born to Run,” Christopher McDougall says “A tough pacer, consequently, can save your race; a sharp one can save your life.”

A meaningful reflection of Jesus happens when we help people run their race.

The flashy side of being a pacer is that you may be called upon to help someone in a dire moment of need; rescuing them from disaster. Most often the tasks of being a pacer are not as dramatic and far less glamorous. McDougall goes on to say “the job means shivering in the middle of nowhere for hours until your runner shows up, then setting off at sunset for an all-night run through the wind-whistling mountains. You’ll get blood on your shins, vomit on your shoes, and not even a t-shirt for completing two marathons in a single night.”

Q. So why would anyone want to be a pacer?
A. Because good pacers are hard to find.

To disciple another person is to serve as a pacer in their lives. At its core, discipleship is giving our life away to another person. The goal is to help them mature in their walk with Jesus. In essence we run through life with them for the purpose of helping them run to the best of their ability.

Being a spiritual pacer looks like:

  • Spending time with people
  • Teaching them what we know
  • Giving instruction
  • Praying for them
  • Serving them
  • Celebrating them

Just like in running, being someone’s spiritual pacer can be tiresome, messy, and thankless.

Q. So why do anyone want to be a (spiritual) pacer.
A1. Because Jesus calls us to it — Matthew 28:18-20
A2. Because good pacers are hard to find.

If we will be willing to run alongside people for the purpose of helping them grow into WHO God has designed them to be, we will NEVER run out of opportunities to share Jesus.

Keep Reflecting Jesus!