“I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.”
1 Corinthians 9:26 -27 The Message Bible
With all that has been happening lately, you may have been knocked to your knees with the cares of life’s problems but you can stay in the race and continue to fight. As Paul says, “Knocked down but not out.” Seasoned long distance runners have learned to focus on endurance, not just speed. But winning will cost you some things: pressure, criticism, and sacrifice. So what’s the key to staying in the race and finishing? Hebrews 12:2-3 in The Message Bible reads, “Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how He did it. Because He never lost sight of where He was headed – that exhilarating finish in and with God – He could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now He’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility He played through. That will shoot adrenaline in your souls.” You will only endure the heat, and finish, when you have something to look forward to. Success comes only when you are committed and have the passion and determination to cross the finish line. So set your focus on the goal, run to win, and you will.