Life is like a race: we have a course to run and a finish line to cross. The course is the purpose of God for our lives. He has prepared a way for us, and he sends us into the world to do the good works “which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). The way has been made; all we need to do is run the course. We must be careful not to become encumbered as we run. An athlete who runs a marathon does not want to carry heavy bags with him. Likewise, we must be careful that our hearts are not weighed down with desires and ambitions that have nothing to do with the race we are called to run. All we need in life is what is necessary to run that race. We must be careful not to carry ‘motivational baggage’ that obstructs us. We must ensure that we remain focused. A runner who is not focused may take a wrong turn and find himself running down an alleyway that is not part of the running course. This will be a great waste of effort. So, ensure that you stay alert and focused. Keep your eyes on the path that God has set before you. In other words, keep your heart attuned to his purpose for your life. Don’t get distracted by other ambitions and pursuits. Always run with your mind set on the finish line. The finish line is where you cross into the next life. It is when you shall receive the ‘crown of righteousness’ (2 Timothy 4:8). Don’t weary, it may be closer than you think.
Reflect on how you are going with your race.
Read Hebrews 12:1-3
