Articles
Are you ready for a Marathon?
In the world of competitive sports, many very good and promising athletes will compete for
a title and even dream of obtaining the prize. However, relatively few will pay the price of the
intense physical training and years of preparation that must take place prior to the competition.
Even of those who try, many fall out of the race somewhere along the way.
The New Testament draws a parallel from this metaphor, as to the endurance required of
believers. (Matt.13:18-23) If we would partake of the prize set before us, we must remember the
words of Jesus: "But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved." (Matt. 24:13)
In any contest, the important factor is not how many begin the competition but who finishes
the race and completes the course, who wins the prize. Late in life, Paul declared, "I have fought
the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for
me the crown of righteousness, ..." (2 Tim 4:7-8)
Scripture says we are to "run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on
Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith...For consider Him who has endured...so that you will not
grow weary and lose heart." (Heb. 12:1-3)
Paul stated “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the
prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-
control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but
I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will
not be disqualified.” (1 Cor. 9:24-27)
Are you still running like you should? Maybe you are just starting your race and have a long
road ahead — don’t give up, run all the way to the end. ~B Tolbert
