Running the Race

²⁴ 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. ²⁵ 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. ²⁶ Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. ²⁷ 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.
- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27


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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
- Hebrews 12: 1-2




     Anyone who grew up playing sports knows the importance of training, the effort required to reach goals, the competitive spirit that lies within an athlete. Many people can be good, only one can be the best. And in this world, there are trophies and Superbowl rings and riches and fame. But none of these things compare to the prize to be one in the race toward the kingdom of God. 
"They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."
     So think of yourself as an athlete, a runner in this race for righteousness. We cannot wander or run aimlessly, we must keep our eyes on the prize. 
     I was talking to a good friend about life being like a marathon. It is long, it is challenging, it is exhausting. There are downhill stretches and uphill stretches...but there is a prize at the end. If we sprint out of the gate, we will grow tired and most likely lose focus. We have to discipline ourselves to do what we can, when we can. 
    I was reminding my friend of these things, but he is actually the one that taught me this lesson. We used to run together often, and I admired his strong, consistent pace. I always had a tendency to sprint, and consequently my runs were short and didn't provide good exercise because I grew tired quickly. So what he probably doesn't realize, is that he taught me more than he even intended to.... 
    We were running on a gorgeous spring day one time, and I was losing energy. I looked over and said, "You can go ahead, I don't think I can make it up that hill ahead of us." and he calmly looked at me and said "One step at a time, Renee. One step at a time." And I ran next to him all the way to the top of that hill. I had taken my eyes off the goal and focused too much on the challenges standing in my way. My friend helped me succeed at running that day, but also taught me a lesson that I still apply to my life. We have to take the race of life "one step at a time." We have to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith" so that we do not lose sight of the goal of living for Him. 
    Jesus endured the cross for our sake. We, therefore, can gladly persevere and run the race for Him.