Finish the Race

So I have never actually participated in a race.  Never totally have had a desire to until seeing scriptures comparing our spiritual journey to a race.  Here are some examples:

Acts 20:24 (Paul is talking to the Ephesians) - However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me —the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (titled "The Need for Self Discipline"- something I am trying to learn)-  Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

Galatians 2:2 - I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain.

Galatians 5:7 - You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?

2 Timothy 4:7-8 - I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day —and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing

Hebrews 12:1-3 -  Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.



I made a goal a few years ago to run in a race at some point in my life.  My goal was in a year and that sickness happened.  My stomach issues caused me to stop working out the ironic thing is that now that I have incorporated working out back into my life the stomach issues are getting better.  It may be because I am trying to eat natural foods.  After the reading the above scriptures several times later I still cannot relate to running a race.  Right now I am in the training phase.  Not that I am ready to run I am building myself up to this point.  I hope to walk a 3k in September to start getting me used to being in the atmosphere.  My knee isn't in any condition to start running.  I hope to change this but in the mean time I am excited about at least having the opportunity to sign up for the event.  It's a start and maybe it will become something I will enjoy.  I hope not to only physically train myself for this but to obtain some spiritual insight in the importance of persevering, self discipline, and training in my spiritual walk with God.  I am excited!