IT'S A RACE TO BE WON

One day I asked the Lord, "WHY don't You just come down and make my way easy?? It's in Your power to remove all adversity!"

Then in my exhaustion I suddenly fell asleep. As soon as I fell asleep GOD SPOKE.

He said, "YES... BUT IT'S A RACE YOU MUST WIN!"

As soon as I heard these words I woke up. I was asleep for only a few moments. I was amazed at His words and immediately remembered scripture that confirms them.

I'm a runner. I enjoyed endurance running from the time I was 15 years old. I understand the pain of running, the endurance it requires, the importance of staying focused and motivated, the will power it takes to finish and the joy and satisfaction of victory. The Bible compares this to our life on earth.

 The prize waiting at the finish line is far greater than temporary comfort or hardship here on Earth. So do not lose heart in the pain, and do not mistake adversity for abandonment. God has not forgotten you. He is training you, strengthening you, refining you, and preparing you for an IMPERISHABLE CROWN. Keep running. Keep fighting. Keep enduring. The race is hard because God is preparing us for an eternal throne.

 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 (practices self-control) 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."

Hebrews 12:1-3

"... therefore let us throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us RUN WITH ENDURANCE the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on JESUS, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. So consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."