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.

~1 Corinthians 9:24 NKJV

High Emotions

My favorite team was running for the prize.

They marched down the football field on their way to scoring a much-needed touchdown. At the end of one play, a member of the other team got in the face of an opponent, who reacted in kind. Emotions between the traditional college rivals ran high.

“Don’t lose focus!” I counseled from my living room. Penalties and distractions wouldn’t help the team. To win, they had to execute plays, continue the drive, and score.

Running for the Prize

The same is true in our lives. We must focus on the goal to reach the finish line. Like those of faith who came before us, we all want to finish well.

The writer of Hebrews says, “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” (12:1 NKJV).

Similarly, like the players in the football game, our race involves opposition. It’s not enough that circumstances can be difficult. The enemy of our souls loves to whisper taunts in our ears: “I can’t believe how you messed that up,” or “Give up; you’ll never succeed.” The Word of God tells us not to listen.  

I believe the strongest antidote to the discouragement that can come through Satan’s lies is to know all that happened for us at the cross. We’re forgiven and cleansed. Jesus took our sins away and gave us new life in Him.

It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me . . .. I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.

~Galatians 2:20 NKJV

Our New Identity

To live by faith in Christ means we do not always see outward evidence of our righteousness in Him. But we can count on having it, based on the Word of God, which never lies. We refuse to listen to the enemy’s taunts but stand firm in our Father’s love. We know condemning assessments about our performance do not arise from God.

In that posture, we continue to run for the prize. We persevere by “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2 NKJV). We are equipped to finish well.

Running Well

Dear fellow runner in Christ, do you know the truth about yourself? Are you tuned in to the instructions of our Coach and not distracted by other voices?  Refuse to listen to the enemy’s lies. Stand firm on the truth of what Jesus accomplished and let the taunts fall away.

How can you run better for Christ?

Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing Jesus to carry my sins to the grave. Thank You for raising me with Him in His righteousness. I am free to run my good race. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2024: Running for the Prize: Caroline Powers: All Rights Reserved