1 Cor.9:24-27
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. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
God’s children are in a spiritual race, running towards a specific destination. We’re on the way to our eternal home, with the aim of winning the set prize. The Umpire Who is also our Captain urges us to train and compete according to the rules. In normal races, those who have tried to take shortcuts, using enhancers which include some types of steroids are normally disqualified from obtaining the reward. In the same way, we do not take any shortcuts on our upward journey however tough the course. With much discipline and perseverance we continue to follow in the footsteps of our Captain. He Himself was perfected through suffering. We do not do this in our own strength, but just as He has said in His word in Zech. 4:6,
‘…Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’
Says the Lord of hosts.
We’re totally dependent on the Captain’s help. He Himself has walked this road, as well as with countless others before us throughout the ages. In case you are at a place in your race where things seem too tough and you feel like giving up, please do not. Let us draw strength from our Captain,
‘…looking unto Jesus, the Author and finisher of our faith, Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.’ Heb. 12:2
In the days we live in, according to the signs that He gave us in His word, we sense that the end of the race is just around the bend. Therefore let’s keep pressing on until we finally take the baton to the finish line.
