I was never blessed with athletic ability. As a result, from my days at primary school, I did not look forward to the second semester, also called the ‘sports term.’ It was the time when we would be obligated to run, and my position in the races often ended up being last place or second to last, accompanied by laughter at my expense.
Nevertheless, after a few years in high school, I joined the Cadet Corps, an elementary form of the military. This experience led to the development of greater physical strength and endurance, as we regularly engaged in physical training and strenuous activities.
As time went on, I noticed that when I entered cross-country races that were about three miles long, I was now doing surprisingly better than expected. I can recall, at the start of the race, on the word “Go!”, the majority of runners would begin with a burst of speed. This was quite intimidating for me, as keeping up at such a pace was impossible.
However, I was soon heartened to realize that after about no more than a few minutes into the race, the majority of runners were now walking or humped over in utter exhaustion. Given my slower but consistent pace, I passed them with ease. And by running with consistency and persistence, a perennial non-athletic boy could place in the top ten in a race with over a hundred runners. Quite a fantastic achievement for me. That was the apex of my athletic career!
When we receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour of our lives, we are entered into a race. This race, unlike almost every other race, is not for competition with another person. But instead, it’s an individual pursuit to be more like Jesus Christ and to fulfill His purpose for our lives.
This race is not a sprint. It is a marathon. Hence, it requires endurance, persistence, and longevity to accomplish the goal. Here are some essential guidelines to be aware of as you run:
1) Face challenges with the mindset that hardships are building up your endurance for the long haul. Without endurance, a successful outcome is not attainable.
2) Falling does not define your destiny. Staying down does. So, when you fall, get back up and keep on running.
3) Focus on developing good habits and identifying short-term goals that lead to long-term success. Good habits produce helpful repetition, which is necessary when a successful outcome requires time.
4) Don’t be distracted by someone else’s race. Remember that your race is uniquely yours.
5) Keep your eyes on the prize. The rewards and commendation of the Saviour will be worth it all.
The Apostle Paul often used analogies of a race to describe our required pursuit. He wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, “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.”
And by the grace of God, at the end of his life, he was able to say to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:7-8, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
So, if you are not in this race, get in. If you are, run with purpose, passion, and surely, persistence.