Pursue the Goal for the Prize

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14 ESV

In a story titled “U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials results: Five runners clinch their spots in Paris” published by PARIS2024 over the weekend, the following was reported: Conner Mantz, Clayton Young, Fiona O'Keeffe, Emily Sisson and Dakotah Lindwurm are bound for Paris, all finishing in the top three at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Orlando on Saturday. Mantz, 27, won the men's race with a time of 2 hours, 9 minutes, 5 seconds. 25-year-old O'Keeffe, in her first professional marathon, ran the fastest-ever women's time at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, setting a stunning record with a time of 2:22:10. In the men's race, Young, 30, placed second with a 2:09:06. Along with Mantz, his college teammate at BYU and training partner, Young will represent the U.S. in the men's marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics. “This means a ton,” Mantz told NBC's Lewis Johnson after the race. “The goal has always been to make an Olympic team. I’m so grateful to be out here with my family, coaches and teammates.”

And you know, while the goal to make the Olympic team is a worthy one, the main goal every Christian must have is to obtain the “goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Which means we must keep our eyes on the finish line as we work with all our might to do all that we can today to live for Christ until the day He returns or takes us home—running with all endurance and at top speed while resisting the urge to look back, slow down, or tap out regardless of the trials and tribulations we will face along the route. 

So knowing that a race is won in the present rather than in the future or in the past, make the decision each and every day to focus on “the goal” my friend. Don’t get distracted or discouraged as you run to win that which is only in Christ Jesus. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that the greatest goal we could ever work to acquire is knowing Jesus and living for Him. Help us to do this each day Lord so that You would find us sprinting to the finish line upon Your return. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!