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Run the Race

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.¹

Right now, the World Cup is going on. In this event, many countries compete against each other for the same prize. All the athletes participating are highly trained professionals who have endured and are fighting to win. These athletes have to prepare and train intensely, have unwavering discipline, and have to dedicate themselves to the game.

The race that athletes have to run is very similar to that of a Christian. As Christians, we have to endure trials, train, and dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to God. We do not need to train physically for worldly gain, but instead, we train for godliness (1 Timothy 4:8).

1 Corinthians 9:25 teaches that athletes are disciplined in their training to win a worldly prize that will fade away, but we are disciplined in our training for the prize of eternal life. We train by reading the Word, studying the Word, and putting what we learn into practice. Not only are we called to be disciplined in our training, but we are also called to win (1 Corinthians 9:24). There is really no point to run a race without the goal of winning. We need to run our race working towards the prize, which is eternal life, and run with purpose in every step (1 Corinthians 9:26). So, as Hebrews 12:1-3 says, Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside the throne of God. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people, then you will not become weary and give up.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you for initiating and perfecting my faith. Thank you for promising eternal life if we are disciplined in our training. This race we run often gets tiring and makes us want to give up, but we know that if we keep our eyes on you, we will not grow weary. Please help us endure to the end, Lord. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

1.    1 Corinthians 9:25 (NLT).

 

Today’s Encounter was written by: Gianna B.