Christ gives me strength for the race, and freedom to choose how I run.
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 9:26-27
“Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
Observation
Paul lived with intention, purpose, and discipline. He cared about not only avoiding wrong things, but also about getting the right results–and he recognized that God has given each of us a large degree of choice in the results we get. Aimless running gets aimless results. Disciplined running gets disciplined results. This in no way removes the foundation of faith, divine direction, or trust in God–rather, it affirms the necessity of submitting to God and following His word.
Application
God has given me the freedom to choose how I follow Him. I can run with purpose and self-discipline, or I can cruise along on autopilot…drifting from season to season in life. He decides what the prize is, but I decide how I run.
This week, I choose to run with intention. Not perfection, but with the intentionality of knowing that God has empowered me to run the race to which I am called.
Prayer
God, thank you for the freedom and the strength to run the race to which you’ve called me! Help me to run with faith and trust in you, relying on your leading and guidance.
Help me to daily honor you through my self-discipline, living in your ways instead of merely pursuing my own desires.
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