Are you in shape for the “race of faith”?

Today, we are going to talk a bit about sports…and the trials that we confront during our walk of faith.

Often, before we can say, “‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.’” (the Bible, 2 Timothy 4:7, NKJV), we must say, ‘“I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.’” (Philippians 3:12-14, NLT) 

In most cases, before standing on the winner’s podium, we must first fight for the victory. The analogy between sports and our faith is very relevant. Paul even uses this image to illustrate Christian life as a whole.

When you put your faith into action, you have to fight against invisible but very real adversaries: enemies, unbelief, temptations, sickness, states of heart and mind, etc…The Christian’s training is these trials. So many tests of your faith face you…a real obstacle course every day.

A champion doesn’t become a champion (either of the faith or in sports) by lounging on the couch and channel surfing! A champion trains every day, suffers, in order to surpass his/her own accomplishments and improve his/her performance…to finish the race and bring back the prize. Don’t dread the trials…don’t be afraid to run the good race, fight the good fight, in order to win the victory!

Take a look at the bleachers in the stadium where you’re running…Jesus is there to support and empower you in this race!

Let’s pray together…“Jesus, I put my faith into action today. I know my training as a Christian is these trials, and I choose not to dread them…I will fight the good fight! I do not lose heart or give up (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Thank You for empowering me and being with me through it all! In Your name, amen.”