How to Run the Race With All Your Might

Christians grow weary in doing good, but the Bible tells us how we can run the race with all our might and reach the finish line in the Kingdom

Don’t Give Up

Christians grow weary in doing good, but the Bible tells us how we can run the race with all our might and reach the finish line in the Kingdom. I imagine you could tell me and I can tell you for a fact that Christians do grow weary in doing good, however, it is possible to can run the race with all our might and be able to reach the finish line into the Kingdom. Basilea Schlink’s advice is just as good today as the day he wrote it. He said to “Run each day’s race with all your might,” but how can we do that when we grow so weary and at times fell worn out? We can grow weary if no one seems to notice all we have done and are doing for God, however, someone does notice your good works and it is the God of the universe. And by the way, He’s the only audience that really matters.

… in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize

Fix Your Eyes Upon Jesus

The author of Hebrews tells us that “since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb 12:1), so we should keep “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb 12:2). When we’re running the race of life, don’t look at things behind you or at distractions that are coming your way. We must be intentionally choosing to not give up on God because He never gives up on us. The best advice I can give you is not my own advice but it is to “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3b), and to “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (1 Tim 6:12).

Keep Pressing Forward

The Apostle Paul reminds us why we’re in the race by asking, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it” (1 Cor 9:24). If you have started the race, end it well. Don’t forget that God will reward you someday. It is not easy. In high school I used to run track and understood that “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable” (1 Cor 9:25). I had two trophies from my youth from playing little league baseball, but in high school, I never won ribbon. I came close and won second once, but all those trophies and ribbons are lost now. I have no idea where they ended up, but one thing I know for sure; I will receive a crown (like you) if I do not give up, so keep on running for that imperishable crown.

Endure Till the End

The Apostle Paul knew that the race he was running was not in vain and tells the church at Galatia that “I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain” (Gal 2:2). Paul knew that this life was temporary and was intended for preparation for serving somewhere in the kingdom. He fought and strove for something that was not yet…but was coming. I am so thankful that the race “depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy” (Rom 9:16), because I’d surely lose.

Kept From Stumbling

In our human frailness, we run out of energy but God transfers to each of His children a spiritual drive towards finishing the race.

If not for God, my race would be in vain and the world runs after things, pursuing what will someday burn up, but for those who trust in Christ, we will have an imperishable crown that no one can take and will not be lost. It is as secure as our faith in God. If we do give up, we may have never been saved in the first place. It is not by our might or strength that we can finish the race but God “who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy” (Jude 1:24). This is why we must “be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall” (2 Pet 1:10).

Conclusion

Basilea Schlink’s advice is to “Run each day’s race with all your might” and that is what we must do as believers. We cannot give up. If we do, we may prove that we were never really Christians in the first place (1 John 2:19), so don’t ever give up. Run for the imperishable crown of life, and run until you finally see the finish line. Jesus is waiting for you there and cheering you on. He is pulling for you every step of the way, so give it all you’ve got and run the race with all your might. If you are not saved, you are running the race of life in vain and all will be for nothing. You will face God’s judgment someday; either after death (Heb 9:27) or at the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev 20:12-15), but then it will be too late to repent. That’s why “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion” (Heb 13:5) and this is why today is the day of salvation (2 Cor 6:2). Tomorrow may be too late. Jesus could come at any moment, and then your eternal fate will be sealed forever…and unchangeable.

Here is some related reading for you: What Does it Mean to Lay Aside Every Weight and Sin?

Resource – Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version^® (ESV^®), Crossway Bibles. (2007). ESV: Study Bible: English standard version. Wheaton, Ill: Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Tagged as: endurance, Perseverance, Running the Race