Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Run To Win

Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.  1 Corinthians 9:24-27 

My pastor gave an inspiring sermon this past weekend finishing on today’s verses.  I liked it not just for the message and verses but also for it reminded me of my dadMy father’s eulogy talked a lot about the race he had run, and the eulogist spoke of 2 Timothy 4:7 which said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.”  Being a humble servant, I realize that our walk of faith is not a one-day sprint.  It is a marathon, and as marathons go, you have to continually pace yourself.  My pastor spoke of training for the race doing things such as having a dedicated prayer life and maintaining our strength to be able to both encourage and even carry others.  Like marathons, we may not be able to see the end of the race for a while, but you keep running.  You keep reading the word.  You keep showing love to as many people as you can.  Realize in each of those moments, God is preparing us for something bigger and better. 

We must always remember that there are numerous stages in our walk of faith.  Sometimes, we will run easy as if it were a nice stroll in the park (we have peace and comfort in our life).  Other times, we have to run up a hill and exert extra energy (trials and struggles).  Perhaps, we realize we are falling behind the competition, and need to push to catch up (losing our way to God).  And then, we will at times need to sprint to create distance from the competition (overcoming a trial or a major sin).  There are even times where we might need to help someone keep their pace (encouragement and loving selflessly).  No matter where we find ourselves, we must always remember that through all our running there is one finish line, and when we cross it, we should not be running for second place.  All of the other moments of the race lead us to it, and if we do not train hard (continually growing in our faith), we will be ill prepared to have successfully finish. 

God delights whenever we grow to understand Him betterSo if you have felt stagnant in your faith as of late, don’t fret.  Start running even if you're 'out of shape!'  And if you have been running, keep preparing for the next phase of your marathon.  If you are tired and weary, don’t let ‘the wall’ fool you into stopping.  Keep fighting!  Trust God to give you strength to overcome.  Finally if you see the end is near, don’t jog.  Sprint with all you can!  God is at the line cheering you on!  Finish the race and keep the faith!  Where are you in your race?  What changes must you make in your life to be in position to win?  My prayer is that we work continually toward growing in our relationship with Christ or in other words, run to win!  Amen. 

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