Run to Win

“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!” 1 Corinthians 9:24 NLT

In a story titled “Sisay Lemma wins Boston Marathon men's race in runaway” posted by ESPN yesterday, it was reported that Sisay Lemma scorched the first half of the Boston Marathon course Monday, setting a record pace to build a lead of more than half a mile. Then the weather heated up, and the 34-year-old Ethiopian slowed down. After running alone for most of the morning, Lemma held on down Boylston Street to finish in 2 hours, 6 minutes, 17 seconds -- the 10th-fastest time in the race's 128-year history."I decided that I wanted to start fast early," said Lemma, who dropped to the pavement and rolled onto his back, smiling, after crossing the finish line. "I kept the pace and I won." Wow right? That averages out to a 4:50 mile for 26.2 miles! Can you imagine keeping that pace for that long? 

And you know, while the majority of people will never be able to run a 4:50 mile much less 26 of them, every believer should “run to win!” Which means every believer should be committed to keeping a consistent pace of faithful obedience throughout their lifetime— dedicated to staying fixed on the truths laid out in the Bible, devoted to the work of sharing the Gospel, and remaining unwilling to drop out of the race regardless of the heat, hills, trials, troubles, and tribulations, that are sure to be present on the route to our final finish line. 

So refuse the urge to slow down my friend. Now’s the time to press on and run as fast as we can so that we can reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Something that you can be sure will have us smiling. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that keeping a consistent pace isn’t easy. It requires dedication, concentration and extreme discipline. In light of what we will gain by running the race to win, help us to stay focused on our mission and to keep our eyes on the prize and our hearts on You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!