Running to Win the Prize

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore, I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus, I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”

This last Sunday, our church had the privilege of guest speaker, Christian fitness trainer and professional athlete agent Kevin Crye. He admitted that he looks back on his life and sees that he wasted a lot of good years of ministry opportunities. Crye stated that if he had realized and submitted to use his God-given gifts and abilities for the Lord and the glory of God, then more could have been accomplished in helping his fellow man and advancing the kingdom of Heaven. Yet, Kevin is blessed to be used by the Lord and that delay may have been God’s plan all along.  

Galatians 5:5-8 “For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love. You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you.”

Christians have the rock-solid foundation of Christ’s atoning and redeeming sacrifice on the Cross for our salvation unto eternal life. Now, we have to have the mindset of allowing and then letting the Lord use us in crazy ways for God’s purposes. The secret is to keep running with Jesus and let nobody or anything else hinder our race. Get comfortable letting go of people, places and things that work against your godly goals and against God’s glory. Let Go/Let God. James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”

We are all running a race here on this side of glory. It may be difficult at times, but always rewarding. All our fame here is going to fade and we will one day throw our earthly crowns at the feet of the Lord. But, 1 Peter 5:4 tells us, “When the Chief Shepherd (Jesus) appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” 

In Philippians 3:14, the Apostle Paul writes, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Movement requires effort. No matter what is going on in your life, keep running the race on the course set before you by the Lord. Train and disciple yourself to be in shape for ministry, witnessing and discipleship, keeping your focus on the goal of running and finishing well. Life is going to throw us all punches and we are going to take some hits in life. Pain is gain because we may stumble and fall, but we get right back up and continue the race, learning from our obstacles and experiences in order to become a better runner for the Lord. The way to get stronger is to learn to endure life’s punches. Remember, we are running to win the prize.

Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and 

let us run with endurance 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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

In Christ, Brian