Strong to the Finish
READ: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
John is remembered by his high school classmates because of the God-given running capability he is so blessed with. During each of his four years in high school, John qualified and placed at the state championship. He went on to have a very successful running career in college. Because of his years of strenuous training, he was recently able to compete in his first marathon, finishing the race with a respectful time (which was all he prayed for).
As Christians, our lives can be compared to that of marathon runners. The everyday struggle to do what is God pleasing over what the devil tempts us to do, wears each and every one of us down. Physically, runners' bodies are pushed to the limits during the course of the race. Christians, however, are tested mentally and spiritually along life's marathon. Only those who cling to Jesus as their Savior from sin will be declared victorious at the end of the race.
We should have only one goal as we wake up everyday and continue on our run through life. This portion of 1 Corinthians is a great reminder of this, "Run in such a way as to get the prize... we do it to get a crown that will last forever." That crown, eternal life, is what we persevere for throughout our earthly lives. If will be ours forever because of Christ's death and resurrection. Through Him and by His grace, it will never be lost.
As Christians, life is a long struggle because of this sinful world and our sinful nature. As a teenager, it can be very easy to stray off of the course God has mapped out for our individual races. Stay focused and motivated to live a life for Christ. Through daily study of God's Word, press on to goal, to break the tape when God calls us home to be with him forever in heaven.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: How do you train to stay spiritually fit to run the race? How have you dealt with challenges throughout your personal race? How are you reminded of your ultimate goal?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Ask God to help you stay on the road to heaven. Ask God to give you the ability to shake off daily temptations from the devil. Ask God to daily remind you of his promise He is on your side and you cannot lose with Him on your team.