Training for The Race

Anyone who has ever run a marathon knows that it is a grueling race. You don't wake in the morning and say, "Oh the Boston Marathon is today, I think I'll run it." No, in order to run a marathon one must train and prepare physically and mentally for the race. Endurance is required and must be developed in order to successfully finish a marathon . The marathoner commits to rigorous training, changing habits, diets and routines to  prepare for race day.

Life is sometimes described as a race in the Bible. ...let us run with patience the race that is set before us...(Heb 12:1b). I have fought a good fight, I finished my course - IITim4:7; Ye did run well...(Gal 5:7a). Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain -I Cor 9:24. This race of life is not a sprint but rather a grueling marathon.The race is not to the swift (Ec 9:11). Hebrews 10:36 makes it clear: For ye have need of patience that after ye have done the will of God ye might receive the promise. ' The word patience in that verse means hopeful endurance.

Just like the marathon runner prepares for the race and commits to rigorous training to develop the necessary endurance, we have be spiritually prepared for the race of life if we are going to finish well. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible - I Cor 9:24-25.

Our training involves spending consistent time in the Word, praying, worshipping God with other believers, and being instructed in the Word of God. Our daily diets must change, feeding on the word day and night. These practices strengthen our spiritual muscles. In addition to our plan, God has a training plan called tribulation and testing that we must go through so that endurance can be developed in our lives. Rom 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also, knowing that tribulation worketh patience and patience, experience, and experience hope.  

God allows trouble to come into our lives so that we learn how to depend upon Him and persevere through difficulty. We endure hardship, experiencing the faithfulness of God, and His strengthening power; while He develops character and endurance in us.  James 1:2-4: My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations knowing that the trying of your faith worketh patience, but let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire wanting nothing.  Every time we are faced with irritations, difficult bosses and people, God does not want us to run away from the situation; instead, we are to let patience finish her workout because these tests are developing our ability to endure, so that we can finish our course.

Life requires perseverance because there are some rough stretches on our course... In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33b). Now thanks be unto to God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ (II Cor 2:14a)!

Time to train!

preparing for the race,
Diane

P.S. Examine your training routine. Are you practicing reading His word? Do you need to incorporate more time praying? How about worship? Does your diet need to change? Do you find yourself feeding on social media and entertainment more than the word? 

---