Runners run to win the grand prize, to improve their personal time or to maintain good health.
Run to Reach the Goal
My grand-nephew is an elite long distance runner. He runs to win. But if he doesn’t win the race, his goal is to set a new personal best time. He tries to improve his time because he remembers his goal – to be an Olympian athlete.
Paul speaks of the discipline needed to run our race well.
“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”1
Run with Fixed Gaze
As Christians, we run to be transformed into His likeness. God calls us to run with our gaze set on Him. When we fix our eyes on Him – our goal becomes to be a reflection of His glory, to be a carrier of His Presence, and to show His love to a world desperate for true love.
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”2
Run because of Transformation
Yes, we run to win the prize, and our eyes are fixed on Jesus. We run because His great love has transformed us from the inside out. Let us run until our race comes to an end.
“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith. From now on, the crown of righteousness is stored up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved His appearing.”3
Run to Soar
Run to soar. Refuse to quit. If we run by the power of His Spirit, then we will finish our race by soaring in His strength and might and finish well.
“He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.”4
Recommendations:
10 Bible Verses to Help Us Dwell in God’s Peace 10 Bible Verses to Help us Dwell in God’s Peace – Strength with Dignity
6 Spring Bible Verses on God’s Provision 6 Spring Bible Verses on God’s Provision – Strength with Dignity
References:
1 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NASB
2 Hebrews 12:1-3 NASB
3 2 Timothy 4:7-8 NASB
4 Isaiah 40:29-31 NASB
New American Standard Bible 1995 (NASB 1995), copyright 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.
Bible Gateway Blogger Grid Member #bgbg2 #BibleGateway
Every Friday, I join an online Christian writing community, Five Minute Friday. We are given a one-word prompt and write – unscripted, unedited, pure free-write – for 5 minutes. The prompt this week is run.
17 thoughts on “Run to Soar”
Thank you Lisa for sharing the verses and words of encouragement. I am stopping by from Five Minute Friday.
I’m so glad you were encouraged, Jolene!
Love how the author of Hebrews encourages us to fix our eyes on Jesus. As we run the race of life Jesus is our encouragement.
Fixing our eyes on Jesus makes all the difference in running this race called life, Carol!
Amen Lisa, I love your message, it invigorated my soul. What a great race we run for in the end we are graced with living water and eternal life with him. I can’t wait. So beautifully spoken my friend. Blessings.
FMF#22
I’m so glad you were invigorated, Paula! We have much to look forward to with Him!
well written Lisa… run to not quit! I like that! Shows a good perseverance!
I’m so thankful He gives us the grace and strength to persevere, Annette!
Hi Lisa. I love the image of the eagle soaring and the idea of soaring with the Lord – running to be transformed and to soar. Dawn. #31
Yes, Dawn, He wants us to run and be transformed so that we can soar with Him. He is so faithful to us!
This is an encouraging post. Thanks so much for linking up at the Unlimited Link Party 77. Pinned.
I’m so glad you were encouraged, Dee!
Lisa, oh this is lovely. Thank you for inspiring me on our run to soar, to run with our eyes fixes on Jesus, to transform into His likeness. I think when we live like this life is much more exciting.
So true, Deborah! When we fix our eyes on Jesus, allowing Him to transform us into His likeness, life is a lot more exciting and fulfilling.
Lisa, this encouraged me to stay focused, to run my race, and to be consistent. “When we fix our eyes on Him – our goal becomes to be a reflection of His glory, to be a carrier of His Presence, and to show His love to a world desperate for true love. May we remember the goal!
The awareness of being carriers of His Presence, reflections of His glory, and sharers of His love makes a huge difference in our perspective, Joanne. Thank you for the post highlight!
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