It's a race you must win
1 Corinthians 9:24 In a race everyone runs, but only one person gets first prize. So run your race to win.
A race is a competition between runners, horses or vehicles, it's a challenge between several competitors whereby there will be winners and losers.
As we have earthly race, so also we have heavenly race, the life and living of a Christian and all believers in Christ is a race of faith, which started the moment we confess Jesus Christ as our Lord and personal saviour.
We swear to abide by the rules of the race in other to win at the end through obedience to God's instructions and abstaining from all forms of sin and ungodliness.
Consider the recent Onlympics game, there are many competitors in the from different countries. Everyone of them is determined to win at list a medal from their respective games.
Many who started the race didn't end it, and many who end it were disqualified even after they came first, second or third in the game, reason because they bypass the rules of the game..
As a believer in Christ Jesus, how are you ruining your race?.. Are you running it as just a participant or as a person determined to win? Apostle Paul admonishes us to run the race as someone determined to win and not someone who just wish to end at the finish line.
Have you given up on your own race and determine to go back? Hear what the Lord says in a parable... Luke 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. Looking back will cost you your medals, your honour and your chance to win the race... So why not run without being distracted and be focused till you win the race
The race is not for the swift.
There are many in the race of Olympics who started well and have a wide distance from other competitors coming behind... But that is not a proof of finishing well and getting a medal. Some who stated swiftly didn't end well and many do not even get a medal.
Don't be depressed by those who have gone before you, don't be depressed when you fall into temptation which makes it look like you are lacking behind in the journey of faith, don't be moved by the distractions of the devil through trials and persecution... Be focused and run the race with determination to win. For there is a medal waiting for you.
Unlike the Olympics where you can come back the next few years to compete again, heavenly race is once and for all, when the time ends, once you die, its game over. You don't have the second chance, you can't come back again to retry.
So why not run the race so well with the only chance you have got?. Why not follow the set rules of the game?,
Christ has given you every resources needed for the game made available in His words and constant communication to Him through prayer, yours is to utilise them wisely for His glory so as to end the race well and win a price.
No one who looks back will ever win a prize
No one who takes the wrong route will win a prize
No one who disobey the rules of the game will win a prize
Christ said in Revelation 22:11 "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be"
Will you have a prize at the end of the race?
Ask yourself, because it's a race you must win.
God bless you.
Prayer key:
1. Lord thank you for anther day like this in Jesus Christ name.
2. Lord help me to run the race well in you in Jesus Christ name.
3. Lord give me the grace to win the race at the end of the day in Jesus Christ name.
4. Thank you for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen.