APPROACH

Approach

Seven Critical Essentials for Striving for the Prize

Run The Race Of Your Life To Win

Faith

To successfully run a race, there must be a belief that the finish line and the rewards associated with getting there are within my reach. The faith required for the race of our lives is not blind belief. But instead, it is based on confidence in God Himself, knowing He has placed us in this race for a purpose. And He will sustain, commend, and reward us for striving to the end. (Hebrews 11:6)
Run The Race Of Your Life To Win

Wisdom

Our path along the road of life is littered with obstacles, traps, and hazards that can jeopardize our progress. It is vital that we possess godly wisdom to avoid these hindrances so we run effectively and purposefully. (1 Corinthians 9:26)
Run The Race Of Your Life To Win

Patience

This race of our lives is a marathon and not a sprint. As such it requires patience to persist amidst the ups and downs. Patience produces determination to endure even when the outlook seems bleak knowing that a reward awaits at the finish line. (Hebrews 12:1)
Run The Race Of Your Life To Win

Focus

To hit a target is to first focus on the target. We don’t generally accomplish what we don’t focus on achieving. Our success in striving for the prize requires a laser-like focus on the one who ran before us, Jesus Christ, if we are going to achieve the goal. (Hebrews 12:2)
Run The Race Of Your Life To Win

Discipline

Athletes possess such focus and determination that they are willing to give up pleasures and conveniences because to indulge in such would negatively affect their success. This mindset requires discipline to do what is difficult with consistency because of understanding what is at stake. (1 Corinthians 9:27)
Run The Race Of Your Life To Win

Humility

The timeless fable of the race between the tortoise and the hare reveals a vital principle that humility is a critical quality for success. Pride and overconfidence are precursors to failure and vices to avoid. When we recognize our inadequacies, we then rely on God’s sufficient strength. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
Run The Race Of Your Life To Win

Excellence

Rewards are gratifying to receive after a long and arduous journey. They signify a job well done. As we strive for rewards, we must do so with excellence so that our reward will reflect the same approach and attitude we possessed during the race. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)