The Race

1 Corinthians 9:24-26

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Running is a hobby sometimes more than a passion. Some run for the joy of running—movement, scenery, moments in time for reflection, and the enjoyment of pushing one’s self further along each and every day beyond where they were yesterday. Some runners are often barefoot- not by choice or because of the latest fad, but because of situation. They don’t allow the inability to have the newest, fanciest, aerodynamic shoe keep them from their passion; their simple joy is the act of running.

There are others who enjoy (or most would say tolerate) running for the newest clothing and shoes, the magazines with the articles and hints that make them feel apart of something, the IPods with the play lists custom made for the perfect ambiance, and the watches that tell them exactly how far they have gone and where they are going. It’s the act of having others see them run that pushes them farther along in their progress, oh, and for the joy of running.
Desperate for a sense of belonging and purpose they become obsessed with becoming the best looking runner rather than just a runner who gives whatever their best is that day. Strip away the extras—no music, no new running shoes, no new running shorts and matching tops, no stickers or decals showcasing your achievements, no awards to tell of your progress, and often no other runners to see you sweat, and push that extra mile—is running still a joy?

Often times as Christians our race is a struggle, we don’t know where we are running, how fast we are going or how long we’ve been running for. We can’t see anyone around us and the scenery is looking a little sketchy, we find ourselves asking “ok, what is the point? I don’t know where I’m going and there is nobody to even see or notice that I’m even moving anymore!” Faith is trusting in the unknown—it is in loving the act of running and not just the act. When all is stripped away—true faith remains.

We say we love the race but when we strip away the accessories--when we lose a running partner for a period of time, when the scenery becomes not so scenic, when there seem to be more mountains then valleys, we often lose our joy in the faith.

Happiness can be lost but true joy for a passion or a purpose can never be lost. Anything worth fighting for will have is positives and negatives and both aspects make the fight and the race more precious because of both the gain and the sacrifice.

Do you run to find happiness?
Do you run for the joy of running?

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Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:28-31