The Race

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭24‬ ‭‬

Our prize is laid up in heaven but is received from running our race well. Just before this Scripture, Paul shares how he became a servant to all. He talks about how he met the needs of others being what they needed him to be.

I think running our race looks like service to others. Jesus carried our cross not His. He washed the feet of the disciples. He healed those who came to Him. We each have those we are called to serve and our race is in serving them well.

I think about how I ran the race serving my mother. I ran well. I think about running the race with my children and grandchildren. I didn’t run that race perfectly, I did keep trying.

Running in service to my spouse, I realize it was a race that at times I completely dropped out of. I didn’t do that well. After all these years, I am still in the race and pushing forward. I feel like I am getting better. I think I have gained endurance and strength in the process. I got back up when I failed. I jumped back in when I dropped out. I have tried to correct my failures and admit my wrongs. I am still moving forward. We are still moving forward.

Prayer – Lord, I have never been a runner, but I know I am in Your race. I am not the fastest, in fact I could be the slowest. Slow and steady will finish the race. Keep me in the race and help me finish well.