"Raindrops" Monthly Devotional
RUNNING TO WIN
"Do you know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it." I Corinthians 9:24
What is your running attitude? are you after the victor's crown or are you just happy to be in the race? Are you so fearful of the competition that you find yourself combating the fear by resigning yourself to a loss even before the race is begun? Or...do you simply not know 'how' to run?
The journey traveled as believers in Christ can take us over all kinds of terrain. Some terrain is smooth with minimal lumps and bumps, i.e., a nice job, pleasant family life, good friends and even extra time for leisure activity. There is also that other kind of terrain that challenges you to pull out all you've got to keep on going. That is the absence of the above and the presence of almost every imaginable temptation to leave the race altogether, a virtual "I quit" sign pasted on your back.
If you are going to run the race to win it there are a few vital points to establish.
- Prepare to run! No race should be attempted prior to the need preparation for it. Imagine the marathon runner taking off without having done any stretches or having water stations at the ready along the route. Get those spiritual stretches in. Shape up those spiritual muscles. In it to win it? "Count the cost..."
- Know the race you're in reflecting on the reason why you are running it. "i press toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ."
- Plan on the victory celebration before you engage the race. (Isn't is great that in the race of heaven the prize is awarded to all who go on to finish? The winner is a finisher!) "Those that endure to the end..."
- Be and stay encouraged. "therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us..."
Surely, the Lord has already worked within every believer the ability to end this race wearing his or her own custom made crown. YOU CAN RUN TO WIN and come out the winner. "...Looking to Jesus, the Author and finisher of our faith."
On your mark, get set, GO!
See you at the finish line.
Lord, You came into this world, voluntarily de-cloaked of Your heavenly glory to show us the way. You have run destiny's race, bringing salvation to a lost and dying world. You now urge on all who call You, LORD, to fearlessly take hold of the baton You have handed off; to run our race with great patience and tenacity spreading the message of the Kingdom even as You have done before us. Oh, that we may do so, O God, You being our ever present help, in Jesus' name. Be it all to Your glory and honor, AMEN.
