(1 Cor 9:24) Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.
I have always enjoyed sports. My dad is an avid sports fan (fanatic!) and our best times as a family were watching U.S.C. clobber their perennial foes U.C.L.A. and Notre Dame. How we would dance around and do the shuffle when the “crimson and gold” would wax bold and take it on into the end zone.
Those athletes were tough but they didn’t get there by drinking Tang or eating Twinkies! They did what Paul said Christians must do . . . run in such a way that you would obtain the prize.
How’s your training going? Are you getting tired? Tired isn’t the issue, my friend, winning the race is! Is your eye on the goal or the toll? Are you exercising self-control and keeping spiritually fit (v. 25)? And are you disciplining your body so you will avoid disqualification (v. 27)?
God has promised that we would “run and not be weary...” (Isa. 40:31). But you still say you’re tired? Well, you just need to know the secret . . . going on God’s power, not yours (Zech 4:6). Don’t give up . . . give in! Give in to God’s power and your vitality will return so you can get back to finishing that race. The Lord’s coming back soon and your race is almost over. Get your sights up off the ground and get your mind off of your side-ache, and start looking at the finish tape that is in front of you. Through Jesus you have more power and will obtain greater glory than any football player or Olympic runner could ever dream of.
Louie