Peter, in describing the Christian life speaks of wrestling when he says --
… “cast your cares upon Me.”(I Peter 5:7)
Paul references the training of a boxer and perhaps his most frequent metaphor is that of a runner. Paul truly desired to run the Christian race and be a winner, that is, to bring honor and glory to the name of Christ. He tells the Christians in Philippi --
… “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”(Phil 3:14)
It mattered to him, how he ran the race. He ran the Christian race not to compete against others for attention and prominence, or attempt to exclude others from the race or to lord over others his apostolic position. Rather his only desire was to fulfill the personal mission for which God had placed him on this earth. All his credentials and accolades paled into insignificance when compared to the desire expressed in the words --
… “that I may gain Christ.”(Philippians 3:8)
Such motivation and love for the Lord brought a focus and purpose to life that carried him all the days of his life. It will do the same for us. As the apostle reached his final days in 68 AD, knowing that he would soon be executed by Nero, he could boldly proclaim --
… “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”(II Tim 4:7)
What satisfaction he possessed; what inner joy and happiness was his; what victory he experienced over the evil that lurked to take his life.
We can follow behind each step of the Son.
He runs before us to clear our way,
And He promises great victory at the end of the day.
But if our minds wander, and concentration fails,
We meander down precarious trails.
The Judgment Junction is a rocky old road,
Being critical of others will double our load.
The Tongue Trail is dangerous and very unstable.
Gossiping and Lying “potholes” will leave us unable.
The “Poor-Me” Path leads straight into trouble.
Add Anger and Hatred, and the problem is doubled.
The Highway of Fear intersects Worry Way,
And will really distract us if we choose to stay.
But the Rebound Turn Abound is always right there,
Just jog on around it, as you utter your prayer.
“I confess my failure, Father, and thanks for your Grace.
Now I’m on the Right Highway, and will continue the Race.
The writer of Hebrews challenged his readers and us with these words --
… “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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”(Hebrews 12:1 – 2 TEV)