How Are You Running?

I love the word of God. It brings healing, conviction, and transformation. It offers truth—who God is and how to live—guidance for those seeking direction, and renewal for the mind and heart. As I was reading this morning, one particular passage touched my heart. It was 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

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

Over the past year, numerous significant changes have occurred in my life, including relocation back home and the illness and subsequent passing of my mother. Navigating these transitions and the accompanying grief has been challenging; however, I have found continual reassurance and encouragement through Jesus to persevere through periods of adversity. Yet, despite this progress, my efforts have lacked clear purpose or direction.

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. (verse 24)

Consider the directive: “Run in such a way that you may win.” Achieving this requires focused effort, not aimless activity, and purposeful action, not ineffective exertion. Running to win demands self-control, discipline, and a death to self, all of which stem from living a committed and surrendered life under God’s authority, depending on and allowing the Spirit of God to work unhindered. 

How are we running our race? God calls us, sets us apart, and guides us to live for His glory. But are we doing our part in running the race, or are we just running without any aim, discipline, or purpose?  

“For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel.” Ezra 7:10

“Ezra knew that the people who had gone back to Jerusalem were in a state of spiritual apathy and rebellion. So he went to Jerusalem to show them how to obey the Lord though the teaching of His Law. Ezra had a definite purpose, so he set priorities that would help him fulfill God’s plan for his life. Spiritual maturity requires spiritual preparation. It does not happen by change. If we wish to grow in God, we must seek Him through Bible study and prayer, allowing Him to teach us His ways.” –Dr. Charles Stanley, Life Principles Bible

“Ezra had a definite purpose, so he set priorities that would help him fulfill God’s plan for his life.”

Jesus, fully aware of the necessity of fulfilling His mission at the Cross, remained resolute in pursuing this purpose. During the events leading up to His arrest, one of His disciples attempted to intervene and prevent the arrest by severing an individual’s ear. 

Simon Peter then, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear; and the slave’s name was Malchus. ¹¹ So Jesus said to Peter, “Put the sword into the sheath; the cup which the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?” (John 18:10-11)

“Put the sword into the sheath; the cup which the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?” 

Jesus faced the cross ahead of Him, the resurrection to come, and then His ascension back to His Father, all providing Salvation for all mankind. Nothing could stop or prevent Him from fulfilling His mission. 

Consider what God is asking of you—whether it’s pursuing your calling, submitting to His authority in an area you have been holding onto, or caring for your body by exercising and eating well. Whatever the calling, let us do it wholeheartedly and purposefully.

Let us run to win, relying on the Spirit of God and embracing what the journey demands.