RUN TO WIN
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
There's something special about fishing big largemouth bass. I love to fish shoreline and structure docks. Big bass hang out under places where they can't come under attack. A good fisherman can cast and hit those places with pinpoint accuracy and even skip in under docks... if and only if they keep their eye on the spot... eye on the prize.
When runners in ancient Greece would compete, there was a reward of laurel leaves waiting for the winners. They were running for the reward... going for the gold, so to speak. They didn't give up but pushed on to the end.
Keeping our eyes on Jesus keeps us going in life. It makes us move forward when the struggle gets too hard at times. Focusing on Him helps us to lean toward the ribbon at the end of the finish line.
It was Corrie ten Boom that said, "Look without and be distressed. Look within and be depressed. Look at Jesus and be at rest." Keep our eye on Jesus, as the prize at the end of this earthly struggle makes it all worthwhile.
In a horse race some horses are strong starters and some are strong finishers... In life a strong finisher is what we need to be. It does us no good to lead until the homestretch just to fall short at the end.
1 Corinthians 9:24: "Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!"
We want to run the race to win. We want to endure. We want to play by the rules... And we want to keep our eyes on Jesus.
Finish strong, finish well...
Help achieve the mission - GIVE today
Click the button to sign up for Dean’s Daily Devotional. FREE and delivered daily.