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 for the one who lost, to feel better, to continue to play, and to be ready for the next competition. The competitor could be a team, the leader, a student, a department, a co-worker, etc.

As a believer, you won’t ever hear that statement because you are not in a typical race. You are on a journey. You will always be victorious because of your faith and how you participate in the journey. 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)

You cannot win if you don’t 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 navigate the journey, by accepting the path the Lord has chosen and navigating the obstacles along the way, will dictate what you win.

Please agree with me as I pray:

Father, I am in this race to win. I realize it is not a competition against anyone for a single prize. It is the journey I am on to live my life every day in a way that shows You my desire. Your word says “a tree is known by the fruit it bears.” I want the fruit I bear, while on this journey, throughout my life to say I want to be with Christ in the end. Losing or not finishing is not an option. You are my prize. I know what second place is. That is not my goal., Nothing other than heaven will 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.