Jarrod Everson Family

If you have known Jarrod and I for any amount of time you probably know that we like to run. I guess that you could say we are runners, although we are far from the stereotypical runner. Jarrod has the frame of a defensive lineman, which was his position in college when he played for Liberty University. I am also a far cry from these small-framed 110 pound female marathon runners who grace the covers of Runners World. Although, for some strange reason, Jarrod and I love it. We plan our winter routine around training for some sort of event in the Spring, and for the past five years we have also had to train around toddlers and pregnancies.

This year we started training for an ultra-marathon in Alabama which is set for March 21st. We have been highly motivated this year, because this would be my first ultra (50k). I have done other things including marathons and even was at the end of ultra training 2 years ago when I found out I was pregnant with Ellie. So needless to say I was excited about the opportunity to do this race with Jarrod.

On our next to last training run, however, I literally "ran into a problem". My left foot has incurred some sort of tendon problems, maybe pulling or tearing and possibly also a stress fracture. I was pretty bummed. It's hard to go through all that training AGAIN and not be able to race with Jarrod. He is still on course to run in a few weeks and I am very proud of him.

I have been thinking about this a lot lately, mainly because the race is so close and I am still hugely disappointed, but there are many things in life that are like this race. There are many times as believers we have prayed for lost friends or family members and maybe we haven't seen the fruits of our labor. I know that is a huge burden that seems unbearable at times. There have also been times in my life everything seems to be going perfectly and the "training" is smooth, but then everything has fallen apart. I have learned of my God's sovereignty during these times. So, for me, as a believer I know that it isn't during the good times I find out most about my Lord, it's in the days of trial, where He is tested and has proven faithful. I am thankful for a faithful, sovereign God who is willing to use me.

He urges us in His Word to not grow weary in well doing - and that is hard at times, but through Him all things are possible. We can have joy in the trials and I am convinced that this is something that we learn only in trials. So, whether it be a broken foot or a broken heart, I know I can trust in Him and keep on perservering. Like one of my favorite chorus tells, "Seeking you as a precious jewel, Lord to give up I'd be a fool. You are my all in all." The prayer of my life is that no matter the circumstance, my testimony would be that He is my greatest treasure and worthy to persue at all costs.