TODAY’S INSPIRATION: THE RACE: IN IT TO WIN IT!

I always loved walking, running not so much. I used to jog and on a good day I still can a little but mostly I walk. It doesn’t matter if I am walking or jogging, my objective is to complete the goal I set in the beginning of my walk and finish strong. These days I consider that a win!

In the Bible, the phrase “running the race and finishing well” is a metaphor for a Believer’s life journey. The moment we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and decide to follow Jesus Christ, the race begins. The difference is this race has less to do with who finishes first, and more to do with running well to the end. We are not running to compete with another person, because God makes us all winners once we cross the finish line. We get to be with Him for eternity! No, our opponents are the world, the flesh, and the devil. It is a spiritual race.  

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places“ (Ephesians 6:12)

“Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelations 2:10)

“For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8)

This race we run is not easy to say the least. Trained runners realize that they have to work hard to build endurance, we as Believers also must work hard to strengthen our faith so that we can endure and resist the distractions that the enemy will throw at us. Just as an athlete competes according to rules, a Believer must follow God’s guidelines to be rewarded or recognized for their faith. Discipline and perseverance is a necessity if we are to stay in the race. The race of life is not a quick sprint but a long-distance run. As I read the Bible, I see men of God who started off strong and ended their race with a strong finish like Caleb, whose story is in Joshua 14. Caleb was known for his faith and obedience to God. And there was Daniel in the “Book of Daniel”, who faced persecution for his faith but would not compromise, even in his eighties. The Bible also has those who started off strong and ended with a weak finish. I think about King Saul who God chose to be Israel’s first King. He started strong during his early years as King and was obedient to God. However his life turned into tragedy when he disobeyed God repeatedly and allowed pride and jealousy to consume him. King Saul’s story is told in 1 Samuel. We must not allow worldly things to slow us down or stop us. We must not allow our own selfishness and flesh to hinder us in this race, such as chasing self-centered joy and personal accolades. This takes our eyes off Jesus and we cannot make it to the finish line without keeping our focus on Him, who is the author and finisher of our faith. When we focus on Him, we will not grow weary in this race. He will strengthen us to endure and finish well.

“Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.” (2 Timothy 2:5)

“Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” (1 Corinthians 9:25)

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

And not only do we want to finish strong, but like Apostle Paul, the goal is to finish with joy. He believed his discipline would result in a lasting reward, the salvation of others (1 Corinthians 9:22–27). We are to consider what we are going through as a matter of joy, not because the thing itself is something that is pleasurable, but because tribulation works patience within us. This is easier said than done. And we definitely cannot do it ourselves. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus and following His example. He is not only our Shepherd, but also He is Patient, our Friend, our Peace, our Love, our Empowerment (by His Spirit), our Joy, and our Strength, He is our destination when we finish this race the Lord has set before us. We will fall sometimes and we will get tired and weary at times, but this is no time to give up, this is the time that we lean on Jesus who will give us strength to get back up and keep going. Every Believer’s race will look different, but the destination is the same. God knows our journey and has equipped us with everything we need to run a good 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 someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” (Acts 9:24-27)

“For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.” (Proverbs 24:16)

“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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-3)

“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12-14)

The good news is Jesus finished and won the race for us. He took the burden of our sins and placed them on himself at the cross. Then He rose from the dead and is sitting at the right hand of God advocating for us to resist sin and continue the race in faith. I encourage you to keep looking at Jesus who will strengthen you to endure and finish well. Every trial, every pain, and every heartbreak is worth enduring the race to the finish line. Jesus is waiting! Love and Blessings…

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:6-8)

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14)

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