Run Your Race...Run Your Race...

Dear Friend,

“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. 25 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. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” 1 Corinthians 9: 24-27

I was raised on sports. Although my father’s first four children were girls he still made sure to pass on his love of sports and athleticism to us early on. Not only did we participate in a variety of sports we watched them as well. Our favorite to watch as a family were the big games. March Madness, FIFA World Cup, the Olympics; there was something about watching these athletes that had trained and worked so hard compete for a prize. It’s inspiring and gives such an adrenaline rush!

This past weekend I was speaking to God; complaining about my fatigue and how I felt that I had been running my race long enough. In my frustration I told Him that it wasn’t fair to be in a race and not receive a prize. He responded and explained that what’s even more unfair is receiving a prize and never having run a race...

Before I could become too defensive and unruly our gracious God continued to explain to me. Athletes train for months, and in some cases years, for a specific event or championship. Once these athletes arrive to compete they don’t ask for their prize upfront. On the contrary, they understand that in order to be rewarded they must now “run the race.”

Friends, what a reminder to hold my endurance; one I tremendously needed! My friends if you are feeling weary I hope this encourages. Olympic athletes train for several long years, but the prize of being crowned best in the world is sweet. So my friends train up, be ready for the race set ahead; and once you are ready run for the prize!

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1

“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3: 13-14

Abundantly With Love,

The Anonymous Wife