Running with Endurance

We come across many today who are facing some form of adversity in their lives; financial hardship, strained marriages, health issues, mental illness, loss of loved one, rebellious children, etc… We live in a world surrounded by anxiety and distress. The apostle Paul compared the Christian life to a race we’re all running in.

 24)Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. 25Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.  26Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air;  27but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. (1Corth 9:24-27)

 Life is a race, however, the only way to run and actually finish the race triumphantly is by running on wings of grace. Grace is the only way because our legs will tire out. The race is long and the course has obstacles – we are sure to give out. Isn’t that how we sometimes feel about going through life – like we can’t go on anymore?  In His grace, God supplies everything we need to endure the race: Holy Spirit, His word, access to Him through prayer and encouragement from fellow believers.

 It is through God’s grace that we attain salvation, glorification and sanctification. Salvation is securing a favorable place with God made possible by means of Jesus Christ. Glorification is the conforming of our bodies to the image of Christ. Sanctification is the process of growing as a Christian. Some may feel that we are on our own in the process of spiritual growth – dependent on our desire to take action, but we are not on our own. Grace is involved in our spiritual growth, too.

 Paul mentioned that in his race, he slaves his body so that he’s not disqualified. Being trained properly prior to the race was pivotal. Runners were disqualified for not being trained appropriately for the race. Sanctification is compared to being trained to become like Christ and it’s through God’s grace that this can be possible. We can take heart when we’re faced with adversity because it’s during that time that we experience His grace. Each day will come with it challenges but we can overcome as long as we’re riding on wings of God’s grace.   God bless.