My goal is to help you to run to win no matter what arena God has called you to step into. Just to be clear and up front I’m not a runner, at least not yet. My exercise comes through the gym, but I have many friends that are avid runners and participate in several races every year. I really admire the distances that they can accomplish each year. Sometimes I wonder if I could walk that far! Each year they push themselves to try something a little harder. Some try a tough man style race or they move up from a 5k to a 10k, a 13.1 or even marathons. As I listen to them prepare for their new race I never hear them say they want to win, I just hear them express sentiments about being happy if they were to just finish. And they train accordingly. I’ve yet to have a friend tell me they are actually training to win this new race. I don’t think finishing is a bad strategy for running new races and tests of stamina, especially when you are stretching yourself. In fact, I applaud them for trying to push themselves to accomplish things I can’t.
What I’ve noticed over the years is that some people apply this strategy of “I just hope to finish” to life. There is no such thing as a goal like that when it comes to life. Everyone finishes life, it is called death. The race you run determines what that finish line looks like and how many people welcome you when you do actually finish.
“You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.” -1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (Message)
In life you will face many new races that will test your stamina and endurance. You will be challenged by things you didn’t sign up for and didn’t expect. Each year you will be placed in situations where you haven’t seen the layout of the race, you just have to keep running not sure of the pace you should set. These challenges come as your kids get older, industries change, and parents age. I believe it is possible to train in such a way that you have the principles, heart, and habits to succeed. You don’t have to just finish, you can win!
My hope for this blog is to help those who don’t want to just coast through life, but who really do want to win in whatever arena God has called you to step into. My hope is that through your life you will accomplish and do amazing things for God’s glory. I pray that God uses you to bring answers to some of our most troubling questions and issues. Train yourself to win. Push yourself to be the best you. Never settle for mediocrity. You can win and I want to help!
