Run to win

“Don’t you know that all the runners in the stadium run, but only one gets the prize? So run to win.” 1 Corinthians 9:24 CEB

After having what BAA (Boston Athletic Association) and Adidas athlete, Erika Kamp, described as a disappointing performance at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials (she dropped out of the 10,000 meters) in June—Erika got what she needed to make a comeback recently. The day before Erika Kemp raced the USATF 20K Championships in New Haven, Connecticut on September 6, her coach, Mark Carroll, shared a suggestion on the drive up from Boston that caught her off-guard. “[He said] you’re in really good shape. You can compete with these women. Run to win this thing,” Kemp, 26, told Runner’s World. After processing her coach’s recommendation, Kemp bought into the idea. “I was a little hesitant, but also like, I’m not going to argue with you,” she said. “So, hearing him say ‘run to win’ definitely changed my mentality a little bit.”

And you know, when it comes to running the spiritual race that is set before us, you and I would do well to listen to the words of Paul who, after reminding the church at Corinth that only one runner “gets the prize” told them to “run to win.” Doing this not only means developing the mindset that says, “I will run with all my might. I will not compromise, look back or slow down for even one moment,” but mustering the discipline and strength to make it happen. You see, without effort and self-control, nothing of value can ever be obtained... especially the reward of eternal life that awaits the runner who runs in such a way to obtain “the prize.”

So run to win my friend. Pursue righteousness with a full-out effort, expending every last bit of energy you have in doing so. This will not only ensure that you make it to the finish line yourself but that you will inspire others to join you along the way. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that pursuing You is worth our all-out effort. Lord please give us the passion and strength to glorify You with every step we take in this race. Help us to run with endurance until we make it to the finish line. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen

Happy Running!!!