Finish The Race

I have always loved to run. It was formed in me as a kid growing up in a rural setting where walking or running was the primary means of getting from Point A to Point B. My friends’ houses weren’t always close so we “hoofed it” back and forth to play together or fish at a nearby creek. As I got older, I joined the track team in high school as a distance runner. I didn’t stop there as I carried that love into adulthood entering long distance races where my goal was always to win. In the process, I learned that winning requires training, discipline and perseverance.

The Christian life is often compared to a race—not a quick sprint, but a marathon requiring endurance, discipline, and commitment. Just as an athlete dedicates time to training, carefully watching their diet, and pushing through exhaustion to reach the finish line, we must be intentional in our walk with God in order to finish well.

"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain." (1 Corinthians 9:24)

Paul is not saying that only one Christian will get the prize of eternal life—and he is not saying it is our effort that saves us. He is saying that God’s grace is not opposed to our commitment to spiritual training, temperance, endurance and self-discipline. The ancient Greek athletes received a simple crown of olive wreaths for their prize, but we are promised the most incredible eternal crown—to be kings and priests in the Kingdom of God! (Revelation 1:6)

We should also remember that just like a physical race, endurance in our spiritual walk must be built over time. Some days will feel like a struggle, but each step you take in faith brings you closer to the finish line. Faithfulness in prayer, bible study and fellowship are spiritual disciplines that help us grow. We must stay the course, run with perseverance and lean on encouraging scriptures, like Hebrews 12:1-3.

“ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”

In His goodness, Christ is both our example and companion. Calling us to the race marked for each of us and sustaining us through each stride. And as Charles Spurgeon said, “He stands with us at the starting point, and earnestly says to us, not “run,” but “let us run”.

Lord, help me to run this race with endurance. Strengthen my heart for the journey ahead and guide me through the spiritual training that draws me closer to You. Equip me to run with faith, knowing that You are with me every step of the way. Amen.



Credit: Ron Kelley