A Truth to Ponder Every Month Series - Part 5

Running the Race

May 4

May - The Race

May brings warmth and flowers, but if you are from the Midwest it also brings the Indy 500 - “the greatest spectacle in racing”.

Paul likens our Christian life to a race and we are running to win the prize (see below). Scripture also encourages us to run with endurance the race marked out for us with endurance (Hebrews 12:1).

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 ESV)

He is not talking about working for our salvation. Scripture makes it clear our salvation through Jesus Christ is a gift of God and not from our works (Ephesians 2:8). Paul is encouraging us to live our lives to the full for God since He gave His all for us.

While we know salvation is a gift, we must still put forth effort to live out our faith. We are told faith without works is dead. Our works are our way of thanking God for what He has done for us.

We are to keep our eyes on the prize of hearing Jesus say, ‘well done good and faithful servant’ (Matthew 25:23).

But there are times we get weary, tired, and discouraged. You may be thinking, I don’t need any more pressure to do more! I already can’t get my to-do list done.

God does not want us to burn out. He wants us to have a healthy rhythm of rest and work for our race is not a sprint, but a marathon. And this may be your time to “refuel” and receive from the Lord so we can carry on with a full tank.

Just an athlete has seasons of rest and seasons or training, we too need to periodically rest. We also need to be preparing our minds and bodies for the task at hand.

Here are four things that will help us run our race with endurance:

Get enough sleep/rest

Need I say more? There is a plethora of data expounding the benefits of sleep. I’m sure we each could site our own ‘data’ by how we feel when we don’t get enough.

There are various seasons in life when we can get more sleep than others. Even if we can’t get optimal sleep, resting whenever possible helps until we can get back to a regular schedule.

If God kept a work/rest rhythm, it’s probably a good idea we should too.

Fuel your body

I’m certain Olympic athletes have a diet protocol. They know their best chances of performing optimally is only if they give their body the best fuel for the desired outcome.

And so it is with us. We are not going to be able to run our race if we are not taking the time and effort to eat well.

Fortunately, a simple internet search will result in many quick and healthy recipes and meal planning options for everyone from singles to a busy family.

Exercise

God created us to move and what a gift we can move our bodies! We never know when the Lord may call us to physical work for the Kingdom. Whether raising a family, building homes in a third world country, or standing for several hours teaching the Word, etc. we need our strength and stamina.

Plus, we just feel better when we exercise. Like sleep, there are immense benefits from exercise - like feeling good! We never know what or when the Lord may call us to in ‘our race’ so it is important to keep our bodies at the ready. Our health is one of the good gifts from the Lord that should be cherished and cared for.

Quiet time with the Lord

This isn’t so you can check it off your to-do list. This is for our well-being. When we spend time with the Lord and in His Word it only benefits us. Our relationship with our Heavenly Father/Creator grows more intimate, we gain wisdom for life, we are more peaceful, joyful, etc..

And this can be done anywhere at anytime, washing dishes, folding laundry, waiting in the pickup line. We can always be in communion with our Heavenly Father.

I know I am much happier – and my family thankful - when I make this a priority!