"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
On December 3, Molly Friel, of Fresno California, became the second-oldest woman ever to qualify for the Olympic marathon trials. At the age of 50, and considered beyond her prime in the running world, Friel did something most runners even half her age will never do. She crossed the finish line of the California International Marathon in 2:43:57, averaging a 6:15 pace for 26.2 miles. Of her remarkable accomplishment and the grueling and time-consuming training behind it, her coach, Ian Torrence, said, "She's got grit, you know? She knows how to push through the pain."
And if grit is defined as courage (strength in the face of pain or grief) and resolve (firm determination to do something), I would say that grit was most definitely the key to Friel's victory. And you know, grit is the very thing that we, as Christians, need to develop and grow if we are to do as Paul says and "run to win." Did you notice he didn't say "run so you can merely finish the race?" No. He said, "run to
win!" And running to win means giving all we have in the pursuit of becoming more like Jesus. It’s persistently and whole-heartedly training in the Word every day, tirelessly and unselfishly devoting ourselves to acts of service and prayer, and fully and intentionally disciplining our bodies and minds to be obedient to Christ. And you can be sure that this won’t be easy. If an athlete trains hours every day to win a medal, you and I must train even harder to claim the eternal "prize" that is promised to all those who have the grit to pursue it.
So in our pursuit of victory, we would be wise to remember that, as Angela Duckworth wrote, "Grit is living life like it's a marathon, not a sprint." In other words, this is not a trouble-free race that is won overnight but a fight-to-the-finish race that is won over a lifetime. So we need to live that way. Are you?
Heavenly Father, thank you for being clear on what it takes to run the race and finish well. Help us to see the enormous and eternal benefits of spiritual training that we might gain what it takes to "win". It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
Keep on running - Caleb Taylor
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