“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Psalm 133:1
One of the greatest joys of organizing and directing ultramarathon races is watching ordinary people accomplish what once seemed impossible. That truth shone brightly at the 10th Annual Racing for Daylight 12-Hour Ultra. The relaxed atmosphere invites people to simply show up and push their limits.
My dear friend and sister in Christ, Lauren, was one of those runners. After the race (which began at 6:00 p.m. Saturday and ended at 7:00 a.m. Sunday to account for Daylight Saving Time), she shared her reflection after resting:
“Two weeks ago Emily Turner texted me about a Racing for Daylight event that I might be interested in. My first thought: Great opportunity to get 20 miles in. The furthest I had ever gone before? A half marathon last March. Last night 20 miles turned into 30… then 31. And at 6:58 AM we crossed the finish line after walking 31 miles.”
All night I kept reminding myself of God’s Word and something I learned from Jesse Itzler & Chad Wright: Don’t give your pain a voice. Pain will always try to tell you to slow down, stop, or quit. But discomfort doesn’t get to decide the outcome. So we focused on three things: Don’t quit; Stay grateful; Trust God with every step.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
How I started my day had a massive impact on my thoughts and what I spoke. Earlier that morning I attended the IF Women’s Conference at Spearhead, and one message stuck with me all night: ‘God uses ordinary people who say yes.’ So I just kept saying yes. One step at a time.
The best part of the night was the people beside me. We laughed, encouraged each other, and kept repeating: ‘We feel outstanding. We never get tired.’ What started as a joke became a declaration. And before we knew it, 31 miles were behind us. Looking back, I know without a doubt God carried me through every step.
Sometimes He calls us into uncomfortable places not to break us, but to show us what’s possible when we trust Him. I’m still feeling waves of gratitude today. I’m incredibly thankful for the friends who made this one of the best nights ever. All the glory goes to God.”
Lauren’s story beautifully illustrates the power of godly companionship. She began her day at a women’s conference, fellowshipping with sisters in Christ from various churches. Then she ran through the night with a group of believers—some longtime friends, others new connections—all united in purpose. Together, they turned a daunting challenge into a night of laughter, encouragement, and triumph.
This kind of unity among believers is priceless. It strengthens us, builds us up, and helps us become all God designed us to be. King David captured the value of fellowship: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1) The word “behold” invites us to pause and truly notice this rare blessing. Unity among God’s people is good because it reflects His heart for harmony, joy, peace, and contentment—qualities the world rarely displays amid its striving and division. Psalm 133 continues:
“It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; for there the LORD commanded the blessing—Life forevermore.” Psalm 133:2-3
True Christian unity is as rich and abundant as overflowing oil—precious, life-giving, and refreshing like rivers cascading down the mountains. It brings health to the body of Christ and invites God’s commanded blessing. The writer of Hebrews urges us not to neglect this gift of the church community:
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25
We all have a race to run, and the clock is ticking. Let us not forsake gathering with brothers and sisters in Christ. Instead, let’s seek every opportunity to assemble—for mutual encouragement, sharpening, and strength—so we can finish strong, inspire others to join the journey, and give God all the glory.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that unity in the body of Christ is a beautiful and precious gift that sets us apart. Lord, help me to run my race with endurance and to do my part in fostering unity among Your people. Remind me that the church is not a building, but the family of God gathered together. Teach me to value fellowship, to encourage others, and to grow in my experience of the overflowing blessings that come when we dwell together in harmony. In the precious name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Happy Running!
Melissa Sharp is an ultra runner and running coach who has completed more than 100 marathons and ultra marathons. Melissa has learned how to keep running the race of life for the glory of Christ even though she endured decades of domestic abuse. Melissa is a survivor. Through her daily blog thejoyfilledrunner she inspires others to live in the strength of Christ.
