4th April

I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3, 14

Blessed are those who have persevered. James 5, 11

Speed or endurance race?

In a stadium there are scholars from different schools who take part in an athletic meeting. They are split up into different age groups and they know that the best of each group will receive a cup. There are two types of competition: speed or endurance race.

The Bible uses the image of a runner so that the believer will understand that he has a goal in front of him. As an athlet who supplies a maximum effort to reach the arrival as quickly as possible the apostle Paul ran straight ahead to the goal. He was grasped by Christ; his life was radically changed. He left everything behind himself which could distract him, he stretched towards Christ with his whole being.

The idea of patience and endurance is also expressed in the other verses quoted on this internet page. The race of faith has a goal: to be with Christ in glory. We should not be stopped or slowed down by anything which could hinder this race: difficulties, concerns, sin.

The Christian should reckon on God to achieve his race and to obtain the winner's prize. Food and strength found in the reading of the Bible and prayer stimulates the Christian to run with perseverance, having his eyes fixed on Jesus.