Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!
1 Corinthians 9:24 NLT
If life is a race, how do you run it?
By putting one foot in front of the other.
If life is a race, how do you win it?
By keeping in step with the Spirit.
You have a race to run. It’s your race. No one else can run it for you.
Do you want to finish the race?
Then run it well.
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 9:25-27 NLT
Our race is not a performance. It’s not a show for an audience to consume. It’s intentional. It’s personal. It’s often private. But God is always watching. God is always with us. God is always cheering us on. Keep going! You can do it! God will give you the strength to keep putting one foot in front of the other. He knows your next step. He designed the course for you.
Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:1-3 NASB2020
Jesus endured the Cross for our freedom. He purchased our salvation with His blood. Now, we’ve been given the Holy Spirit who abides in us. That’s the down payment, the guarantee that we’ll be saved. Nothing can pluck us out of God’s hands. His love for us is unfailing. Now that we know that, we can run our race with confidence, knowing that He will be with us every step of the way.
Prayer Points
- Ask God to show you what hindrances in your race need to be removed.
- Ask God to remove them.
- Thank God for setting you free from the things that are slowing you down.
Father in Heaven, thank You for redeeming us from worldly living. Thank You for setting us free from the penalty and power of sin. Give us new vision and new strength to run the race and to finish well. We give You all the glory. Amen.
Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.
Hebrews 12:28 NLT
Recommended reading: 1 Corinthians 9 and Hebrews 12.
Igniter Ministries 