The Race

5-20-2009

If you could have anything in the world what would it be? Even more important, what would you do to get it? All of us have dreams, goals, and ambitions, but very few of us are willing to do what it takes to get there. The majority of the world looks at the most successful people, and do not realize they could have everything the successful have if they would simply do what the successful do. I’m often asked the question, how did you do it? When I answer with “I went for it, and I didn’t quit” they often think I’m joking with them. Success happens by design, not by accident, and if you want to be successful, do the little things that others won’t over the duration of time, and it adds up.

In Philippians 3:13-14 we hear one of the most important key to success. “Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” When I read this verse, I think of the marathon runner steps from finishing, yet steps from collapsing all at the same time, and he keeps on going focused on the road ahead. Paul had every reason to forget the past due to the fact he used to kill Christians (he was referred to as Saul at the time). His past was horrible, yet look at all God used Paul for after he was transformed. Prior to knowing Christ he was the worst of the worst, yet God still had a plan for him. If you feel your past is so bad that God could never use you for his Glory, you are wrong! Once you accept Christ as your Lord and Savior, the past is the past, and your job is to move forward. Like a marathon runner, stay focused, and push forward to the finish line. I promise you one thing, you will never accomplish the end result if you quit! Whatever it is you are trying to achieve at this point in your life, just remember, you could be one day away from your big breakthrough. I would hate for you to quit on your life’s dream the day before you could have accomplished it!

There are going to be days where the finish line seems too far away to comprehend, but don’t lose hope, stay focused on the process and the finish line will sneak up on you. The “race” can be difficult, but it’s not how you start, its how you finish. For years, you may have been running the race on the wrong team, and maybe even the wrong track! Here’s the great news, the real “race” starts and ends with Jesus. My heart goes out to those running the wrong race, and our job is to get them focused on the only race of significance. Once we have a runner, teach, train, and mentor them about the love, grace, and mercy of Christ. If I told you that every key to success was written down for you in one book called the Bible, wouldn’t it makes sense to read that book? The bible is your game plan for the “race” of life, and I’ve never met a successful person without a game plan.

Application:
1. Read Philippians 3:12-21
2. Are you running the wrong race? Let’s get back on track!