Because on the surface, it’s just a race, 26.2 miles, months of training, and a lot of effort. But somewhere along the road, between the crowds, the pain, and the finish line, I realised this wasn’t just about running.

Of course, there are the obvious parallels.

The language overlaps so naturally: run your race (Hebrews 12:1), the great cloud of witnesses cheering us on (Hebrews 12:1). The crowds in London were indescribable. The energy, the noise, the finish line, it all speaks.

There are also the practical lessons. Training takes discipline, consistency, endurance (1 Corinthians 9:24–27). What you learn in preparation shapes you for so much more than just a race (Galatians 6:9).

There is the importance of honouring God with our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). Looking after ourselves through exercise and nutrition matters, impacting not just our physical health, but our mental wellbeing too. The reality is, neglecting our health often impacts the quality and even length of our lives.

For me, there’s also the example it sets for my children. Showing them that if you work hard, stay committed, and don’t give up, you can achieve great things (Proverbs 22:6).

And then there’s the experience itself. Someone asked me recently, “Do you pray when you run?” My honest answer is, “Not really as most people would consider prayer.” But I feel God’s presence deeply when I run (Psalm 16:11).

It’s also opened doors for the gospel. Through training, I’ve built more genuine relationships with people who don’t yet know Jesus than I ever have before (Colossians 4:5–6).

But for me, this race all comes down to one simple truth:

Jesus said:

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10) Life in all its fullness. Life abundantly. A rich and satisfying life.

What does that kind of life actually look like? Because if we’re honest, a lot of people, even Christians, aren’t living like that.

Let’s be clear, abundant life isn’t about chasing comfort.

Does it include suffering? Yes (James 1:2–4). Pain? Yes. Endurance? Absolutely (Romans 5:3–4).

Suffering is hard. Sometimes it feels confusing, silent, even meaningless. But God works deeply in those moments, refining us and forming something stronger within us. Just like a marathon, the pain is part of the process.

I’m also not talking about chasing temporary highs or living for the next thrill. I’ve seen people build their lives on that, and they’re never truly satisfied.

I think life in all its fullness looks more like this:

Joy (Romans 15:13).

Strength (Isaiah 40:31).

Faith (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Peace.

Wonder.

Growth.

Wholeness in how we think (Romans 12:2).

A sense of excitement about life again.

Walk along the riverbank. Climb the mountain. Paint the picture. Read the book. Learn the new skill. Laugh deeply. Spend time with people who make you better.

Dream again. Be content in the present while still daring to believe for more. Reach for the goal. Believe for better.

Life does indeed have seasons (Ecclesiastes 3:1). There are times when capacity is limited, when responsibilities are high, when certain things just aren’t possible. But too often, what starts as a season becomes a mindset.

Jesus didn’t come merely to get us to heaven, He came so we could truly live. And I sometimes wonder if many Christians actually believe that.

A full life in Christ is not separate from mission, it actually fuels it (Ephesians 5:15–16).

So what did running the London Marathon have to do with Jesus? For me, it was simple. He wants me to experience the fullness of life He created me for. He wants me to enjoy life.

I had the best time. I enjoyed it. I lived out something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.

“They delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.” Psalms 1:2–3 (NLT)

At a recent ladies’ gathering, I shared how God had been speaking to me through the beauty of seeing blossom trees along the roadside as I was driving along.

I sensed a gentle reminder that we are like those trees — created to stand out, to reflect His beauty, and to reveal His goodness to the world around us.

There are seasons in life when we feel in full bloom — when everything seems to flourish and fall into place. And then there are seasons of pruning, when we may feel cut back, stretched, or uncertain. In those moments, it can be easy to wonder if we are losing something, when in fact, God is preparing us for greater growth.

Like trees planted by the water, our strength doesn’t come from our circumstances, but from where we are rooted. As we remain grounded in Him, we will continue to grow, to flourish, and to bear fruit in every season.

And perhaps most beautifully, the tree that bows the lowest often carries the greatest fruit — a quiet reminder that humility and surrender to God is where true abundance is found.

Matthew 4v5-7

Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple.

“If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,

and they will lift you up in their hands,

so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’

Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

I once knew an elder who used to say, “who’s rattling your cage?” That is, when someone or something provokes you, is it God trying to guide you, or is it an enemy trying to confound you?

The trouble with enemy tactics is that he always deals in half-truth. A half-truth is something that seems to be right, but ultimately, a half truth is not the truth, because it is slightly distorted.

We live in a world of half truths. Every social media platform is engineered to work out what you like, what you dislike, and even what angers you, and it will show you content that triggers you emotionally based on what it knows about you. The news media is not much better. Very often we will see things that are half-truths, designed to spin things in favour of a certain point of view.

But there is good news: Jesus was not a stranger to dealing with half-truth. In fact, He was very adept and He gave us this example.

He didn’t react. He didn’t repost. He didn’t set up a petition or online forum. He merely responded with what the Word said.

Friends; in these days we must be people of the Word and people of truth. I encourage you to spend time in the Word, and trust His truth.

Last month, Jonathan Cooper came and shared with us about being courageous. His message required a response and it wasn't difficult to think of situations in my life that require courage and a need for God to move.

A couple of things have helped me to respond to this word this month.

1. Knowing what the Bible says God can do and by His Holy Spirit what He wants to do through me.

2. Prayer. Going to God and laying out my requests. Even when they feel big, i know He is so much bigger.

3. Speaking it out to others. Finding people I can trust to stand with me. Encouragement and courage are great companions!

Jonathan also shared that 'Today is a great day for a miracle'. I've not found a day since that falls outside of this declaration. If you need a reminder of what God is able to do, just have a read of the following verses.

Mark 5: 21-43

Mark 6:30-44

Mark 16: 15-18

Acts 3: 1-11

Matthew 19:26 "...with God everything is possible".

Church in Caerphilly