Running a good race

I’m not an athletic person myself. Never been trained for any kind of sports. But as a spectator of big sports events, I admire the athletes for their great achievements. Behind their glorious moments, I believe all successful athletes are not only talented but also hard-working.

Pastor Ken shared a message concerning running a race last weekend. The scriptures can be found in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 “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”. I’m a terrible runner and I don’t like running. Well, for the sake of exercise, maybe I will do it every now and then. I’m just too lazy to be disciplined! The bible tells us life is like a race. We all have to finish our race with great perseverance. How can I do it right?

Look at Jesus:
When people are competing at running, they are extremely focused. They don’t look around. If they shift their focus to the people around them, they will soon be distracted. In real life, we need to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2). It’s too easy for us to look at the people, the circumstance, the difficulty, but not Jesus. When problems seem to overwhelm us, remember the one inside of me is bigger than anything! Continue to read the Bible, meditate God’s words and do not lose heart!

Run your race:
I sometimes find myself, when encountered with undesirable stuff, asking my dear husband to do it for me. That’s a pretty bad habit, please don’t copy it. There will be a time when I have to run the race myself and I have to stay in my own lane. Nobody can do that for me! I also need to get rid of things that will hinder me from completing my running. Maybe too much TV or something like that. Also need to develop a marathon mindset: This is my race and I’m going to run it well for the long haul.

Be accountable:
It’s so wonderful that the Lord has given us brothers and sisters in God’s family. We need to encourage each other not to give up in tough times. For husband and wife, you cannot run the race for him or her, but hold each other accountable.

Run to win:
Don’t be a mediocre runner. Give your best effort. Live a self-controlled life style. Don’t let the situation control you. Forget what is behind and reach forward. Jesus will be waving at you at the finish line.