Keeper of the Word
Nov 24, 2025
Your grit is not enough—your God is
Running the Race: Lessons from Remilee
Many of you have read the stories of my friend T.D. and her horses. Today I want to introduce you to another member of her herd: Remilee. She is the older full sibling of Flair (the “Runaway Pony”) and the daughter of Ruby (“Ruby Needs a Redeemer”). Remilee is a striking red-sorrel mare with a star and a slender white snip-blaze. She is also one of the most intentional, intense, and driven competitive equine athletes I have ever seen. Her speed and winnings rank her as a 1D barrel horse, meaning she qualifies to compete at the professional level.
Remilee is grit embodied. Her eyes tell the story—focused, fierce, and fully alive when she runs. Yet despite her determination, she has inherited some attributes of Ruby’s. She does not travel well, struggles with eating, gastric issues, and experiences anxiety when traveling alone. Because of this, Remilee needs a companion horse when hauled to overnight venues or extended circuit runs— additions of another stall, extra supplies, additional care and work….But Remilee’s challenges do not end there.
What It Means When a Horse “Ties Up”
Remilee also suffers from a condition equine experts call “tying up.” When a horse ties up, it means she is experiencing painful muscle cramping episodes—exertional rhabdomyolysis. Often triggered by stress and feed-related metabolic complications, it can strike during exercise, leaving the horse stiff, unwilling to move, and prone to muscle tremors. Severe episodes may even lead to kidney or muscle breakdown and require immediate veterinary care.
In her effort to relieve Remilee’s discomfort, T.D. left no stone unturned. There were veterinary evaluations, consultations with farriers, equine chiropractic and acupuncture treatments, and thorough research into feed, supplements, medications, and exercise routines. Many products were tested. Many changes were made. Every detail mattered.
Imagine a track runner positioned in the starting blocks. Just before the gun fires, gastric pain hits; their muscles spasm; their body seizes. Yet the race begins anyway. They run—but hindered, restrained, battling internal pain that no one can see. They may finish, but not at their full potential. This is Remilee’s reality.
And yet—she loves to run. She loves to compete. But her ability to perform well is completely dependent on the right feed, the right rest, the right treatment, and the right care.
The Spiritual Parallel:
How does this apply to our walk with Christ?
In this analogy, Remilee represents the believer, and T.D. represents the Lord.
We too are afflicted.We too carry weaknesses in our bodies, minds, and hearts.We too suffer from conditions brought on by our brokenness—whether physical frailty or internal battles of sin such as temptation, anger, rebellion, anxiety, apathy, addiction, or depression.
Why does the enemy press these weaknesses?To hinder our race.To keep us spiritually stiff, cramped, discouraged, or immobilized.To confuse us so deeply that we hesitate to enter the race—or abandon it altogether.
Just as T.D. provides what Remilee needs to stay healthy enough to run, the Lord provides everything we need to run our race with endurance (Hebrews 12:1).
T.D. found the right diet, supplements and meds for Remilee.We must feed on the Word of God daily.
Remilee cannot travel alone; she becomes anxious and vulnerable.We too need community, fellowship, and the presence of other believers to remain strong.
T.D. brought specialists into Remilee’s life—chiropractors, veterinarians, farriers—each addressing specific weaknesses.Through prayer, God brings provides what we need in those moments of weakness… His strength, His peace, His wisdom, His provision, His guidance, and often His people.
Remilee cannot fix herself... Neither can we.
We depend entirely on the Lord to equip, strengthen, and sustain us.
Equipped to Run
A barrel horse cannot simply run. She must be equipped:
· Proper shoes for stability
· A breast collar to keep the saddle secure
· Bell boots to prevent injury from overreaching
· Leg wraps to protect from impact
· A bridle for guidance and direction
Each piece matters. Each part protects. Each item ensures she finishes her run safely.
Likewise, God has given us what we need to run our race and withstand spiritual warfare:
· The belt of truth
· The breastplate of righteousness
· The shoes fitted with the gospel of peace
· The shield of faith
· The helmet of salvation
· The sword of the Spirit
· Pray at all times in the Spirit and stay alert
(Ephesians 6:10–18)
Just as Remilee needs every piece of equipment to run her best, we need every piece of the Armor of God to stand firm, resist the enemy, and run well.
Finish the Race Well
On our own we cannot overcome the brokenness that hinders us.We cannot fight today’s battles with yesterday’s strength.We cannot run with endurance without the constant, faithful care of our Lord.
But God has blessed us with everything we need for life, His redemption, the armor for protection, a desire to run with Him and for Him, and His victory sustain us. (John 16:33)
So—Feed upon the Word.Rest in Him.Stay in community.Seek Him in prayer.Wear your armor.Run your race.And finish well
Journaling Prompts for Self-Reflection:
1. Where do I feel spiritually “tied up” right now—restricted, stiff, or unable to run freely?
2. What am I currently feeding my heart, mind, and spirit? Does it strengthen or weaken my race?
3. What specific weaknesses or struggles do I try to fix on my own instead of bringing to the Lord?
4. When do I feel most spiritually isolated? How is God inviting me into community?
5. Which piece of the Armor of God do I tend to neglect—and why?
6. What “specialists” (people, Scriptures, truths, or practices) has God brought into my life to help me heal and run well?
7. Where have I seen God provide care, instruction, or correction—like T.D. does for Remilee?
Scripture-Focused:
8. Hebrews 12:1–3 — What weight or sin needs to be laid aside so I can run with endurance?
9. Ephesians 6:10–17 — Which part of God’s armor do I need to strengthen this week?
10. Where is God calling me not just to run, but to run well?
Prayer-Shaping:
11. What do I need from the Lord—strength, peace, wisdom, courage, healing—for the race I’m running today?
12. How has God used my weaknesses to make me more dependent on Him and less reliant on myself?
Closing Prayer: Lord, You see every weakness, every struggle, every place where my spirit feels “tied up.” You know the cramps of my heart, the anxieties that stiffen my steps, and the fears that try to hold me back from the race You have set before me.
Thank You that You do not leave me to run alone. You nourish me with Your Word, strengthen me with Your Spirit, surround me with community, and equip me with Your armor.
