" Do you not know that all run in a race, but only one gets the prize ? so run that you may obtain it." 1 Cor.9:24: [nkjv]
This year; 2019,.. . One event of the Olympic Games is of great significance for the Christian..............
THE MARATHON.....A GRUELLlNG RACE OF SOME 26 1/4 MILES.... REQUIRING THE UTMOST STAMINA, COMMITMENT AND DEDICATION....Apart from winning such a race, it is highly commendable to even finish such an ordeal !!!
Yet here Paul is admonishing Christians to learn the secret of ' going the distance ' in the Christian life by observing the tenacity, discipline, steadfastness, courage, and dogged-determination of a secular runner who will not be content with second-best...but has a burning desire...forged into action...to WIN this race of all races...and come out on top !!!!!!!!!
When on mission in Kenya some years ago I was Blessed to meet one of the Gold medal winners of this particular event...
This man was training EVERY DAY at sunrise...He was ... SERIOUS ...ABOUT HIS SUCCESS !!!
The geography where we met was hilly terrain, with little or no flat land to observe, in any direction ...
This man ran down and UP THE HILLS in the course of his preparations ......
'WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH...THE TOUGH GET GOING'...SAY THE U.S. MARINES !!!..
.[only 3percent tested get the green beret !]
We have been called and equipped by Almighty GOD to run a good race !
It has often been said that 'it is one thing to start...but another to finish !...and Paul, ever caring for the Churches planted during his Ministry, seeks to address the saints by telling them , in no uncertain terms...to be 'FIRST among equals'...
May The Lord grant us His grace to WIN this year... and all our remaining years....by the power of The Holy Spirit. Amen.
MayThe Lord Bless you.