Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! 1 Cor 9:24 NLT
I ran for the varsity Cross Country team in high school as a sophomore. We made it to the Regionals and had the opportunity to run that race on the University of South Florida’s campus. We trained. However, I failed to realize that the competition were ALL faster. I didn’t really slow down, but everybody else definitely sped up. I wasn’t last, but I was close. I still remember feeling like a disappointment to my family who came to cheer me on.
Run to Win
Follow the rules. In the Christiann race that we are running, it also implies that we have to follow the rules to compete. There are no shortcuts. You don’t get to tell God how He should have made the rules. Remember the parable where someone got into the banquet another way. It’s God’s way or no way.
Stay on the path, even if it is really difficult. You don’t have the privilege to make up your own pathway. Narrow is the gate and broad is the path that leads to destruction. Grace from God says that you can get back on track at any time. But you can’t win God’s race making up your own trail. The kingdom of God is righteous, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Follow the path that always leads to life, hope and peace.
Don’t forget to train. When you are young, lack of training can be hidden through talent for a little while. Every time you enter into the next level of competition to win, your training becomes more intense. Professional athletes recognize that training for their sport is more of a job rather than a game, because of the time and sweat involved. There is NO substitute for training. Stretching, consistent workouts, and specialized repetitions are all part of training well.
Training spiritually is just as important. You will not make it very far in the Christian journey if you don’t learn to pray intimately, read God’s Word for nourishment, learn to keep in stride with the Holy Spirit, engage meaningfully with other believers (who are the body of Christ), practice regular forgiveness and returning blessing, and learn the value of stewarding God’s gift of time and money.
Run to win. No matter how tired you are today, receive the refreshing of the Lord Jesus to keep running. If you have strayed off the path, ask God to help you get back in the race. The Holy Spirit is the best coach ever. Ask for His help. There is a great crowd of witnesses cheering for you today. I am one of those.
Blessings Love y’all