In light of the recent Olympics and all of the world records that were broken, I can’t help but think of the amount of sacrifice that preceded those historic moments. Those who compete at this level are intimate with the rigorous cost of achieving this level of success. Yes, this kind of competition requires intense focus!

It’s interesting how in a race, the worries and cares of this life become a distant memory because of the intensity of focus required to win. Often in an attempt to keep their runners from losing stride, coaches will yell to their runners, “don’t look back – RUN!

Great focus is not just at the competition but in the preparation. From their clothes to their shoes and even their own physical body, runners get rid of all excess weight that would keep them from the prize. You won’t see a successful marathon runner who is overweight! Why? Because their intense focus has caused them to remove everything that could hinder them from winning, including their own fat.

Do you know that you are in a race? Yes, you are in a more significant race than anything the Olympics has to offer! Indeed, fulfilling God’s great purpose for your life is more important than anything else you will ever accomplish! Look at what the writer of Hebrews has to say about this.

Hebrews 12:1-2  Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

As you know, not everyone who runs wins the prize. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like to be second or third; I want to win! In the following Scripture, apostle Paul told us what our attitude should be like regarding this race.

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

Everything that produces significant results will require hard work and perseverance. To win, you must lay aside all excess weight and anything that would hold you back. Though the enemy is always trying to divert us from our purpose, don’t let the things of this world distract you from what will bring about true success and significance!

My dearest friend, you are called to greatness, and it’s time to run! The day when all prizes will be handed out is coming very soon, so it is of utmost importance that we don’t procrastinate! Today is your day – tomorrow may never come! Make today count! You are a runner for Jesus and are more than a conqueror! There is nothing that could compare to the importance of this race! Come on, it is your turn to run, and it’s…

A Race to the Finish