1 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.
1 Corinthians 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 want to become the
center of attention, requesting constant stimulation (e.g. watching TV, focusing on anxieties for us to “fret” about)
rather than allowing quiet meditation on the Word of GOD, bodily demand can cause distractions, cause us to forget
about GOD or to have FAITH. The body may insists on priorities that focus on itself (e.g. constant shopping, doing
“busy work,” focusing on one’s own needs and wants, or always wanting more) rather than focusing on GOD.
As the Apostle Paul says it’s a real battle and there are a lot of temptations to give in to bodily wants! But, it is a
battle GOD can win!
Some of the training tips that Paul gives us include the following:
- Know your goal.
- Run your race (i.e., don’t worry about what’s going on in the other runners’ lanes).
- Be prepared to deny yourself.
- Run to win, with purpose in every step. (Remember if you think you won’t win, you
probably won’t win. Don’t lose the race at the start line.) - Be prepared for a little discomfort during your training (Remember most races are not won
easily, which is why testing the limits, pushing yourself to get to the next level will require
some mental or physical effort.*) - Remember, you are not alone. Others have encountered problems on the way to victory too.
- Trust GOD—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 and plans
in light of your medical condition.
SIMPLE SUGGESTIONS
- Visualize winning. The day before starting work on your goal, think about how you will feel to complete
your goal. Image the “A’s” at the end of the semester. Image the satisfaction of giving it your best. - Write down your goal. Sometimes the simple task of writing a goal helps to make it “real” and not
“imaginary” or something “beyond your reach.” - Track and monitor your goal. Keep a calendar or have some kind of tracking system to determine your
progress. If you are a student perhaps you will want to label certain hours of the day “study” time---no
phone calls, no distractions. Try to look at the big picture and plan ahead. - Prepare the night before for the next day (e.g. lay out your clothes, set your alarm clock, go to bed
early, think about the necessary foods/lunch you need, make a list of the exercises you will perform that
week, and PRAY, PRAY, PRAY for yourself and the others who are running the same race as you.). - Prepare for your temptation battle. Get rid of those things that will tempt you. For example, get rid of
the foods that you should not eat—that will make you slow or sluggish. Unplug the TV. Create a workout
space. Remind yourself and repeat: “I can do all things through Christ who strengths 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! Be joyful! Short circuit the anxiety. Don’t let doubt or disappointment
creep in. - Depend on GOD and pray for others. Remember, you are not alone. GOD sees you. Be encouraged and
encourage others. Let GOD encourage you by reciting scripture or playing or singing praise songs as you
work on your goal. Feed your spirit. In a relay race, every member of the team needs to be strong! Send
encouraging e-mails to others. Send POSITIVE messages of faith! - Persevere – Everyone stumbles. What is important is not how many times you “fall down” or “stumble
along the way,” but how many times you “get up” and persevere toward the goal. Thank GOD and praise
GOD for each “get up” victory. Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1.
REMEMBER GOD: THE ALPHA and THE OMEGA
GOD is ALPHA and OMEGA. “Alpha” is the first letter of the Greek alphabet, but ALPHA (in reference to GOD)
also means beginning, creator, and originator. “Omega” is the last letter of the Greek alphabet. “Omega” means
completeness- GOD will have the last word, GOD knows the end of the story, and GOD is the end of the story.
Revelations 1:9 states:
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the LORD GOD,”who is, and who was,
and is to come, the ALMIGHTY”
GOD has a plan for each of us. So, whatever goal we might think we have for ourselves; it makes sense to turn all
of our plans and goals over to GOD and to make sure those goals line up with GOD’s WORD and GOD’s plan for
us. Let us strive to do exactly what GOD wants us to do, so we can become exactly what GOD wants us to be.
Give your goals, your plans and your life to GOD and run to win!
Then, give GOD THE GLORY and BE BLESSED!
