AUGUST 29, 1 Corinthians 9:24

Guess what is the longest distance for competitive runs? It is the marathon. Just how long is that? It is 42.195 kilometers. Wow – that is very long! How long does it take to complete the marathon? Well, the answer to that depends on who runs it! If it were me, it would take days for I cannot run that distance in one day! But the fastest timing for men is just over twohours to complete that gruelling race!

The athletes who compete in marathons are super fit and all will want to try their best. Do you think it is easy for them to run one marathon, even if they are very well-trained? Of course not. It is a long and tough route. But all who run will hope to win! No one joins a competition to lose.

Our spiritual race is a long and tough one too. And God is telling us that like athletes, we must try to run the race well and try to win the prize. The difference between our spiritual race and marathons is this: there is only one winner in a marathon. But in our spiritual race, you and I can both be winners, if we press on!

But remember, it will not be an easy race. Today’s reading tells we should run to win, so that we might obtain the prize. So, don’t be a quitter.

Here is a song:
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ

Thought: Press on!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me not to quit in our spiritual race. Life can be difficult but by Your grace and strength, I can live victoriously. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen