I Corinthians 9:24-27 In a race, everyone runs but only one person gets first prize. So run your race to win. To win the contest you must deny yourselves many things that would keep you from doing your best. An athlete goes to all this trouble just to win a blue ribbon or a silver cup, but we do it for a heavenly reward that never disappears. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I fight to win. I’m not just shadow-boxing or playing around. Like an athlete I punish my body, treating it roughly, training it to do what it should, not what it wants to.
1Corinthians 10:13 Many others have faced exactly the same problems before you. And no temptation is irresistible. You can trust GOD to keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it, for HE has promised this and will do what HE says.
[Living Bible translation]
Summary
In I Corinthians 9:24-27, the Apostle Paul describes the need to be disciplined and to persevere. Paul also describes the battle that each of us must wage against our bodily desires to do things that prevent us from winning our goals. With regard to food goals, the body may want to overeat or indulge itself, even though it may be detrimental to our own general health. With regard to fitness goals, the body may become sluggish or demanding, requesting that we give full attention to every joint pain or discomfort. With regard to spiritual goals, the body may wants to become the center of attention, requesting constant stimulation (e.g. watching TV, creating anxieties for us to “fret” about) rather than allowing quiet meditation on the Word of GOD or remembering all the things GOD has done or brought us through. The body may insist on priorities that focus on itself (e.g. constant shopping, constant moving, focusing on our own needs or wanting to ignore other peoples’ needs) rather than focusing on “the goal.” Just as an athlete must train, staying focus on a goal takes work. Sometimes, it is a real battle, given all the temptations we face! But, it is a battle GOD can win!
Some of the training tips that Paul give us include the following:
- Run your race to win.
- Be prepared to deny yourself—especially some of those bodily (desires of the flesh) demands
- Aim for “the best”.
- Run with purpose in every step.
- Be prepared to make the body uncomfortable—that is part of the training.*
- Remember, you are not alone. Others have encountered the same problems as you on the way to victory.
- Trust GOD and HIS promises—HE is more powerful than YOU. HE wants the BEST for YOU. HE is EMMANUEL/IMMANUEL (meaning “GOD with us”) and HE keeps HIS promises.
*However, if you have a medical problem or an injury, be sure to consult your personal physician about your exercise or dietary goals. Don’t try to “train” haphazardly by doing things that may jeopardize your success. Ask your personal physician for an exercise program tailored to your medical needs and health.
SOME SIMPLE SUGGESTIONS
CONGRATULATIONS to all of you who participated in the Koinonia January New Year goals! Like any race toward a goal, it has been a lot of effort and work. Like any good long distance runner or goal setter, it takes continued perseverance to run to the end. However, whether you started on January 1st or start today, perhaps a few simply suggestions and words of encouragement, will help you “run to win,” start with renewed determination and complete your race.
- Visualize winning. Think about how you will feel to complete your goal. Think about how good you will feel to complete just one day. Write down your goals or keep a calendar where you can check off the days when you completed your goal.
- Prepare the night before (e.g. lay out your running clothes, set your alarm clock, go to bed early, buy the necessary raw foods you need for the next day, make a list of the exercises you will perform and put your Bible in a place within easy reach. PRAY, PRAY, PRAY for yourself and the others who are running the same race as you.
- Prepare for battle. Get rid of those things that will tempt you. For example, get rid of the foods that you know you should not eat. Yes, just throw all of those unhealthy sugary snacks and drinks away. Unplug the TV. Create a workout space. Don’t “baby” yourself. Make a list of the exercises you intend to perform in the morning or the stretches you will perform at night. Tell yourself: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil. 4:13. Tell yourself you are on your way to victory! Stay Positive. Don’t focus on the negative. Visualize yourself getting stronger. Laugh! Listen to gospel music! Be joyful! Don’t complain.
- Remember Others Are Depending on You. Remember, you are not alone. Encourage someone else. Let GOD encourage you by reciting scripture as you work on your goal. Remember, in a relay race, every member of the team needs to be strong! Send an encouraging e-mail to at least one person about what exercises you intend to perform today. Remind a friend that you are eating raw today and bring them an eat raw snack too (e.g. a small snack bag of almonds or cashews). Coach each other. Send a POSITIVE email! (e.g., I can’t wait until tomorrow when I complete my goal and when you complete yours too!)
- Persevere – What is important is not how many times you “fall down” or “fail to complete the goal” but how many times you “get up!” Remember, you still have days left in the month! Thank GOD and praise GOD for your victories NOW! Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1.
How GREAT is YOUR GOD!
Remember, we serve a great GOD---who can do “EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, above all that we ask or think.” [Ephesians 3:20].
The New International translation puts it this way: HE is able to do “IMMEASURELY MORE than ALL we ASK or IMAGE, according to HIS POWER that is at work within.” [Ephesian 3:20]
Commenting on HIS POWER, The Living Bible translation states: “HIS MIGHTY POWER AT WORK
WITHIN US is able to do FAR MORE than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of---INFINITELY BEYOND our HIGHEST PRAYER, DISIRES, THOUGHTS, or HOPES.”
And as if “ABUNDANTLY” were not enough, the Revised Standard Translation let us know: HE “is able to do FAR MORE ABUNDANTLY than ALL THAT WE ASK OR THINK.” See, Ephesians 3:20.
We serve a REALLY GREAT GOD!
We just have to get up, get set, and “run to win!”
Today, let’s JUST DO IT! Pray. Meditate and read the WORD of GOD. Eat raw nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables, exercise, and drink plenty of water and tea.
Today, eat healthy, be healthy, run to win, and, BE BLESSED!
