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Running Toward My God-given Dream

Writer's picture: Kacie Starr LongKacie Starr Long

When my dad was alive, I remember him telling me that if someone said the ball was red, I’d be the one to say the ball was blue. He didn’t say it in an accusatory way but more as an honest observation, a fact he simply saw in me.


It’s not that I go out of my way to be difficult or rebellious; it’s more that I’m headstrong, with a natural inclination to think differently. And I’ve come to see this determination as a gift, especially when it helps me pursue meaningful goals and persevere when things get challenging.


One of those goals—something that has been with me for a long time—is running a marathon.


It’s a bit of a peculiar aspiration, especially for someone like me who didn’t grow up around runners. I don’t come from a family of athletes, and none of my close friends ever took up long-distance running, let alone marathons. It was just something I felt in my heart, a desire I believe God placed there.


It felt like a journey I was meant to take, something He wanted me to pursue to develop strength, resilience, and a deeper trust in Him along the way.


In 2011, I made that dream a reality by running my first—and so far, only—half- marathon. I trained alone, and to be honest, it wasn’t always easy. I didn’t have a coach, any running partners, or anyone cheering me on through the process. I had a running program I’d downloaded, and I committed to it day by day.


Looking back, I feel proud, not only for crossing the finish line but for the way I leaned on God throughout the journey. He provided me with the discipline, health, and perseverance to make that goal a reality.


Now, years later, the desire to run a full marathon has resurfaced. I’m feeling a renewed drive to tackle this goal. A big part of my plan involves using S.M.A.R.T. goal-setting strategies. For anyone who isn’t familiar, S.M.A.R.T. goals help us structure our goals in ways that make them more achievable:


  • Specific – Pinning down exactly what I want to accomplish: running 26.2 miles, finishing a full marathon.

  • Measurable – Tracking my progress along the way. Whether it’s running five miles, then 10, then 15, each step matters.

  • Attainable – Making sure the goal is realistic by gradually increasing my mileage, allowing my body to adjust and grow stronger.

  • Relevant – Ensuring this goal aligns with my values and is something that I truly want to achieve.

  • Time-Based – Setting a clear timeframe for the goal: completing the marathon by 2025.


These steps are helping me approach this marathon with greater clarity and intentionality, understanding that each part of the journey is as important as the finish line.


Recently, a friend of mine, Grace, shared a beautiful story about her own dreams. She has always wanted a horse, but for a long time, she felt that this was a selfish desire, that maybe she should want something more “useful.” But through time with God, she came to realize that her desire for a horse wasn’t selfish at all. It was something God placed in her heart, something that brought her joy.


Her story reminded me that our dreams are not always about practical achievements or what the world might call “worthy” goals. Sometimes, they’re simply expressions of who we are and what brings us joy—and God delights in seeing us live abundantly, embracing those things He places within us.


For me, the marathon represents a part of my life that doesn’t have to fit into my usual ministry or work. I love to share the gospel, help others, and encourage people in faith. And while running may not look like traditional ministry, I believe it’s an opportunity to show people the joy of a Christ-centered life through other pursuits.




Kacie at the gym
Obligatory gym selfie

I want people to see Christ in me—not just when I’m speaking or teaching, but when I’m running and pursuing this goal, living a balanced and fulfilled life.


So, what dreams or goals have been quietly lingering in your heart? Sometimes we think that certain desires are “too big” or “too selfish” or “too unrelated” to our life’s mission, but what if God has placed those dreams within us for a reason?


As we approach a new year, consider the desires you might have left on the back burner. Are there dreams God has given you that you haven’t dared to pursue yet? What steps can you take, maybe even using something like S.M.A.R.T. goals, to make them a reality?


I pray that my sharing serves as a reminder that God gives us desires and dreams for a purpose, and it’s okay to pursue them wholeheartedly. Our lives are meant to be full of joy and abundance, and when we lean into God’s purpose, even our seemingly small goals can become testimonies to His love and provision.



Hi, my name is Kacie Starr Long. I am an author, and speaker and I love to use my voice to point people to Jesus. When I'm not writing, I'm either hanging out with my husband or sewing. God delivered me from food addiction and I have a sewing ministry, called the Sew Hope Community Sewing Room. I am the proud wife of Alfred T. Long, Sr and together we lead a non-profit that serves prisoners and their families. Connect with me at www.InspiredOverflow.com and via my YouTube page for Christian teachings and encouragement.




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