Running to Win
By Jeannine Sawall
"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."
1
Corinthians 9:24
I volunteered at a triathlon recently. I stood at the end of
the race and snapped pictures as the athletes crossed the finish line. There
were many different types of athletes competing in this race. For some, this
was one of many triathlons they’ve raced in. For others, this was a first. Some
of the athletes were quick and finished in amazing times, but others pressed on
and used all the time available. However, the point is, they all had the same
goal: to reach the finish line.
As each athlete came across the line, there were varying
degrees of emotion. Several of the athletes were running in memory of a loved
one and were doing the triathlon in their honor. For a few of them, coming
across the finish line brought tears. For others, there was elation at having
finished and for some, there was just plain relief. But for each of them, no
matter their emotional journey and time, the race required preparation,
training and perseverance. It required a willingness to do whatever it took to
get across that finish line.
For us, as Christians, we too are called to do whatever it
takes to run the race to win. Just as these athletes had to train and prepare
for the race to be able to finish well, we need to train and be prepared in our
Christian walk. Walking out our faith requires us to take action. It requires
us to press on with diligence for something that is yet unseen. Just as the
tri-athletes began the race without a finish line in sight, we too walk out our
Christian life without a finish line in sight. We trust that as we persevere
and continue our race, we draw closer to the finish line.
As we run, we are striving for a twofold prize: the prize of
an abundant life in Christ as we continuously walk with the Lord, and also the
crown of everlasting life when we cross the final finish line and leave this
earth. Our Christian walk is not always easy and requires routine training and
discipline to finish the race well. We will experience varying emotions along
the way; however, the prize we will receive is a priceless, eternal one…and
that will be worth all the perseverance and devotion that following Christ
requires.
GOING DEEPER:
1.
How are you doing in your spiritual discipline?
2.
Are you on course to win your spiritual race?
FURTHER READING:
Jeannine
is a wife and mother of four active boys. She works in property management and
is a part of the Special Events team for Oakwood’s We Women ministries.
