The Race

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

We are in a continual non-stop race. There is a prize to be one. Can you see all the people running in this race with you? They are all around you. The difference in this race and the usual race is the prize to be one the highest and holiest one to win and in this race we are not trying to beat our fellow companions that run beside us. We are to be encouraging them along the way. If they fall we are to stop and help them get up and focus their eyes back to the finish line and the hope of glory. I think so often we forget that and we keep running even when a fellow companion falls down. This race is not to have a competitive attitude but a compassionate and loving attitude. Do not have a prideful attitude either in this race, I often times find myself comparing myself to other racers. I try to push a little harder to get ahead of them. This race is not to be run in vain, but in selflessness and humbleness. It is to be run for Christ and His glory.

Be careful though, for there are some racers who will try to cause you to fall down. Galatians 5:7 You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? If you do fall down get right back up again and continue in your race for Christ. It is going to be challenging and rough at times, there will be hills, mountains to climb, you will feel fatigued and worn but keep your head up, there will be others along the way that will need your help, push through the pain and weaknesses and look within you for the will to keep running with all that you have. Pray for the strength of endurance to get you through the rough spots in your race.

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Remember that we all have our own routes to journey down. Mine has been especially marked out for me while yours has been especially marked out for you. God marked us out our own routes because He knew what each of us could handle. Isn't our God awesome, He gives us only what we can handle in our race. So when times get hard and the terrain seems impossible remember this even though hard was made just for you because you are able to handle it. Those rocks were set in you path for a reason, that mountain you are struggling up has a purpose, those people back there you helped even though you were tired and didn't want to were also for a purpose a divine purpose. There are no accidents in this race, nothing is coincidental, and they are all providence and in His will. So persevere through all of these struggles and keep your mind and eyes on the invisible finish line that we are told of. It will be glorious!