1 Corinthians 9: 24
An athlete runs a race to win; his aim is to receive the prize not just to compete! This why I preach, to persuade you and not just to entertain you! (Mirror Bible)

Is your goal to win the race?

Have you ever heard the saying, “It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game”? Does the one who lost really believe that? Good sportsmanship dictates yes, however, no one is happy when they lose. That statement is normally used to provide some encouragement. The desire is whoever lost, to feel better, to continue to play, and to step up for the next competition. The competitor could be a team, the leader, a child, a department, a co-worker, etc.

As a believer, you won’t ever hear that statement because you will win. You will always be victorious because of your faith and how you live. You want the prize. As you live for Christ, you will make sacrifices to win. There will be times when you will want to give up. However, the reason you keep pressing on is to win.

Philippians 3:14 I am sprinting toward the only goal that counts: to cross the line, to win the prize, and to hear God’s call to resurrection life found exclusively in Jesus the Anointed. (The Voice TVT)

Winning means you fight to the end.

2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. (New King James Version NKJV)

How you play the game will dictate what you win.

Please agree with me as I pray:

Father, I am in this race to win You. I want to live my life every day in a way that shows You my desire to win You. Your word says “a tree is known by the fruit it bears.” I want the fruit I bear throughout my life to say I want to be with Christ in the end. Not winning is not an option. You are my prize. I know what second place is; it won’t do for me. I commit my life to loving You, serving You, trusting You, believing in Your word, meditating on Your word, and worshiping You. You are my reward…

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Ask the Lord what He wants to say to you about today’s devotional and journal His response as described here.