Run your race because that is the definition of success

God has your life mapped out like a race course.

Why do we feel that we are running so aimlessly through life?

The Isthmian games in Corinth were the location of the great foot race.  Runners trained for ten months and went through extensive dietary restrictions.

There was no “second place.”  Only the winner got the prize.

Paul’s passion, intensity, and discipline were all for one thing:  “to fulfill his purpose of winning people to Christ.”

What is your purpose?

Here are some tips on finding your race and winning the prize:

1.  Lay aside every weight.

The writer of Hebrews told us to “let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12: 1)

You can’t carry a cement block on your back while running.

You have to off-load everything that might cost you the race (bicyclists even shave the hair from their legs so it won’t slow them down!).

What is a recurring sin that constantly gets you “off-track?”

What is a bad habit, inappropriate relationship, or recurring attitude or appetite that sabotages your success in life?  

Throw it off as fast as you can.

2.  Get a clear finish line.

Runners have lanes, and when they see the finish line, it  causes all the energy they have left to surge toward that objective.

“So I do not run aimlessly” (1 Cor. 9: 26).  

You can’t drift all over the track and win; you must stay in your lane and focus on the finish line.

I know my objective right now:  “train pastors.”  What is yours?  

• “Get out of debt.”

• “Build a great business.”

• “Raise all my children.”

• “Get down to an average, healthy weight and heart rate.”

• “Complete a degree.”

• “Find a place to serve in my local church.”

If you don’t KNOW your objective, you are drifting.

3. Never quit.

“ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4: 7).

During the race, bystanders (even other runners) yell at you.  They want you to fail and drop out.  You even have your thoughts to contend with that tell you to give up because there is no use.

Keep running.

Athletes who don’t quit usually win.  Others drop out and slack off, but the consistent, unstoppable runner usually noses into the lead right at the end.

4. Remember Jesus.

Jesus never stopped until He had finished our redemption.

He persevered through pain, suffering, whips, thorns, nails, and ridicule.

“Looking to Jesus, the founder, and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame” (Heb. 12: 2).

Never take your eyes off what Christ endured.

Our little trials, setbacks, and failures seem like nothing compared to what He endured.

You can make it.

Find your purpose, run your race, and never take your eyes off Jesus!