The Marathon Runner Who Ignored Every Water Station

In 2018, a first-time marathon runner in Chicago decided she didn't need the water stations. She'd trained well. She felt strong at mile five, confident at mile ten. Other runners grabbed cups, poured water over their heads, slowed down to hydrate. She blew past them all. By mile eighteen, her legs were cramping. By mile twenty, she collapsed on the pavement, barely conscious, rushed to a medical tent with severe dehydration.

Here's what haunted her afterward: there had been water stations every single mile. Twenty aid stations she'd ignored because she trusted her own strength.

Paul tells the Corinthians a similar story in 1 Corinthians 10. The Israelites had everything they needed in the wilderness. They drank from the spiritual rock. They ate the manna. They walked under the cloud of God's own presence. Yet they fell — not because God failed to provide, but because they convinced themselves they didn't need what He offered. They craved what was behind them instead of receiving what was right in front of them.

Then Paul delivers the promise we cling to: God is faithful. He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But notice what follows — He provides the way out. The water station is there. The exit door is real. The question is never whether the Almighty has made an escape available. The question is whether we're too proud to take it.