Run to Get the Prize

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

This weekend was beautiful, and I decided to go for a jog since the sun was shining. I kept thinking of the verses on 'running the race' and this one seemed most appropriate for today. When you're exercising, even if you're by yourself, run in such a way to get the prize...a crown that will last forever! While this exercising isn't always easy, our suffering is giving us a crown to lay at Jesus' feet.

Some of you are in a race against each other to lose weight. Give it all you've got to win the prize, but remember our real prize is eternal... may we glorify God in all that we do and all that we are.

Dear Father, we thank You that Your word is truth. Lord, I don't believe for a second that the metaphors You used in Your word were "by chance." You knew we'd read them and smile in our current 'race.' Help us train in such a way that we receive the eternal prize, and may we honor You in the process of running. We love You, Lord Jesus! In Your powerful and precious name we pray, AMEN!