Today’s Devotional – Getting Back in the Race

Drawn from my archives

10 years ago, I set out to run the couch to 5k. After just a couple of weeks, I was doing great! I could run for half an hour while barely breaking a sweat. But here’s the thing: when I realized that my minute mile wasn’t up to par, I got discouraged and gave up running altogether.

10 years later, I got back in the race. I didn’t clock any miles–I just gave it my best and I gave myself grace. When I didn’t reach my goal of nine weeks, I extended my time to 12 weeks. When I realized that I was still having trouble at 12 weeks, I extended my goal to 16.

For five months I gave it my best. I got to running three times a week. I tuned out the negative thoughts and kept one goal in sight. I was determined to reach it and finally did.

In much the same way, we’re commanded to run the good race. To stop looking back, and to fix our eyes on the goal set before us. We need to take our eyes of this world and set them on Christ.

If we want to win this race, we need to cast off anything that is slowing us down. Repent from our sin and get back on our feet.

By God’s incomparable grace let us forget what’s behind, keep our eyes on the prize, and get back in the race.

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Tilling the Soil

Considering anything you might be struggling with and bring it to God in prayer. Trust that He will take care of it regardless of how trivial or insurmountable it might seem.

Planting Hope

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14, NIV)

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