Run And Finish The Race

It is important to stay vigilant in the faith of Christ. We can’t ever lay our guard down, lest we are snatched up by the devil and go the way of the wicked also. And one way we can stay alert is by continuing to read and study the Bible daily, along with constant prayer. This will help us lean our hearts towards God, that He may use us in His kingdom. It is when we live our lives for Jesus that we gain great rewards that are not earthly, but heavenly in nature. One of these rewards comes from evangelism. Paul knew this and said, “for though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.” (1 Corinthians 9:16-19) When we understand the need to share the gospel with the lost, we will also begin to get out on the streets and tell people about Jesus. And I’ll tell you what, the best thing we can be doing in this life is being a glowing witness for Jesus. Where His light is shining through us as we tell people about His gospel message. This is the cross and the resurrection.

Lastly, Paul talks about us becoming humble and weak, that we might gain the weak for Christ’s sake. He said, “to the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” (1 Corinthians 9:22-27) For the gospel’s sake, true believers in Jesus will do anything to share it with the world. This is called running the race for Jesus, and in the end, receiving our prize. There we will obtain an incorruptible crown. Therefore, just as Paul said, we run and we fight each day out for Jesus’s sake. The battle is against us and Satan, and with the Lord on our side, we will win the battle each time. You’ve heard of enduring to the end, right? This means that we run the race and not give up before the finish line. You see, the finish line is heaven, but people often quit before they die. This makes them a castaway and unsaved.

Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that people will get both feet on Your path of righteousness and stay thereon. Too many people have gone off course and our prayers go out to them daily, in order for these lost souls to come back to the faith. However, it is sad to say that only a few of them make it back and are saved. That is why I preach the need for people to start the race and finish it well. So I tell them to read and study the Bible daily, along with being in constant prayer. This will help them be drawn to You, Lord, and not ways of the evil one. Temptation is ramped up in this world and it so easy to get trapped in it. Thankfully, You have been on my side for all these many years and have not allowed me to go down the path of darkness, while staying there. If I have ever willfully sinned, I have gotten back on my two feet with Your mighty power, and have run back to Your safety. I know that I have sinned against You many times and I am so sorry for that. You have been so patient and merciful with me, though I have not deserved it. I should have been a castaway, where my prayers would never be answered again, but You continued to draw me near to You. Thank You, Lord. I often wonder why my life is important, and why You are giving me all these chances at salvation. Surely, You know that there is still work in the kingdom for me, and I am so grateful that You continue to allow me to work for You. And I pray, Lord, that as I run now on Your holy and righteous path, that I run well. There is a finish line ahead of me and it is heaven. I can’t wait to be in Your midst forever. I love You, Lord. You are my God and I worship You. Amen.

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