RUN TO WIN HIM

1 Corinthian 9:24-25

Run so as to win. Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one.

I really haven’t joined any race before. I joined a non-competitive one, in elementary, as part of our physical education (PE) subject. I came in last. Well, I don’t have the proper training and the race was just for fun. I do not really care if I win or lose.

In our Christian life, St. Paul likened it to a race. Every three years great games were held in Corinth. There were sporting events, wrestling events and fights where the outcome was between life and death. Whoever won received a wreath as a prize. This prize was perishable and not worth anything really. The athletes practiced for a long time and went through a tough training. All this they did for a perishable crown. Similarly, we are also in a race. And what is the imperishable crown that we want to win? It is heaven with Jesus Christ where there will be no tears, fear or sadness but only joy and peace in His presence.

However, to win that imperishable crown, are we training hard today? Every one of us would say that we are running the race for God. But most of us haven’t been. We have been thinking running the race, but we are actually just training and not have really started the race. And so god has a question to us. When will you show up at the starting line? Are you going to run the race or just watch? Are you going to run just to finish or run it to win? This is what God wants all of us – run to Him, run with Him, run to win Him.

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, give me strength when I grow weary. Give me courage when I lose heart. You are my power in the race called life. I know I can’t do it in my own power, but I can definitely do it with You. I’ve got to fight the fight, finish the race and keep the faith to get our crown. You are my strength. I will forever keep the faith, stay in the race and run to win.

Amen +

My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.