Run to Win
Have you ever trained hard to compete in something you really wanted to win? You probably have a goal when working hard to win: status, fame, validation of your hard work, a sense of accomplishment, even a trophy or medal. There’s a prize at the end. The harder the road, the bigger the prize may feel.
In 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, Paul says, “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.”
Paul had his eyes fixed on the end goal: an eternity with Jesus and an eternal crown of reward for the life he lived on earth!
Have you ever started in on a new challenge, only to bail quickly once things became difficult? Think about that time and ask yourself, did you have a clear picture of what waited for you at the finish line? How does knowing an eternal reward waits for you at the finish line of this life encourage you to give this race everything you’ve got?
It’s incredible to witness the intense training athletes endure and the sacrifices they make when their aim is to win. How much more so can the eternal value of the race we run as believers motivate us? When it feels like living a life of faith is too hard, ask yourself, “What’s the prize?” Like Paul, let it fuel you to RUN.
Timeless Wisdom
After being rescued from Egyptian slavery and wandering around in the wilderness for 40 years, the Hebrew people finally stood at the edge of the land God had promised.
Though their long-time leader, Moses, had just died, God appointed Joshua to take his place. During this transition of authority, God gave Joshua some wise advice:
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
Joshua 1:8 NIV
The “Book of the Law” refers to the first five books of the Bible—also known as the Torah (in Hebrew) or the Pentateuch (in Greek). Today, we have that and more—66 books of the Bible, including the Old and New Testaments.
God gave the Law to Israel through Moses. These instructions reveal God’s intentions, character, and heart.
And even though God was speaking directly to Joshua at that time, His advice holds timeless ...