Have you ever watched someone, who seems to excel at a particular skill, make it look easy? Then, when you attempt the exact same skill, your performance is nothing short of lack-luster. Boy, I sure have! Now, consider this. What if the skill is faith? Some people appear to have it all together. They recite Scripture effortlessly. These individuals appear unshaken, and unflappable, even amid unexpected turmoil. Such grace and peace in difficult moments is achievable for anyone willing to work for it. You see, powerful, faith-filled individuals did not begin that way. They chose to harness and develop their faith by running their own “faith race” not someone else’s. Therefore, who better to run your “faith race” than you!
A “Faith Race” Analogy
Just the other day while driving through my neighborhood, I witnessed a middle-aged couple running. Before my car could drive past them, the man had already slowed to a walking pace while the woman kept running. The man’s level of exhaustion was evident by his crimson cheeks beaded with perspiration and hands fumbling for a water bottle. Despite apparent fatigue and dramatically reduced speed, the man never stopped moving forward. This situation reflects the essence of running a “faith race.”
No two people are at the same level of spiritual development, including faith. Some individuals are like the female runner who kept an accelerated pace. They appear to know the Bible forwards and backwards, leaving the rest of society in their dust.
Meanwhile, others may know about Jesus but do not actually know Him on a personal level as Lord and Savior of their own life. This scenario offers two possible outcomes. First, the person may choose to give up learning more about, and growing closer to, God because they believe they simply cannot keep up with their more spiritually advanced peers. This mentality and behavior are reflected in a person who quits exercising because the newness wears off, and things increase in difficulty.
Another possible outcome provides a sense of hopeful optimism. In this scenario, individuals desire to grow in closer relationship with God, so they push themselves to keep going in their study of Scripture and fervently seeking The Living Water (Jesus) daily. [Check out posts Seek God Daily with Love and Dogged Persistence and Make God Your G.P.S. (Great Personal Savior) on Life’s Journey.] These people resemble the male runner whose skill level was, perhaps, not as advanced. Nevertheless, he forged ahead without ceasing, all while earnestly seeking water for replenishment.
What It Takes to Run a Successful “Faith Race”
Which runners will run a successful “faith race” in the end? The answer is multifaceted. First, a person must choose to run their own “faith race.” God knew what He was doing when He created you! After all, Scripture tells us, we are each “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14, NIV).
Not only did The Creator design you, but He also equipped you for a specific purpose(s) in this earthly life. In fact, God says, “For I know the plans I have for you,…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV). Therefore, who better to run your “faith race” than you! With God as The Divine Coach, you have everything you need to cross the finish line and achieve success.
Choosing to run your own race is simply not enough, however. Although starting a “faith race” may initially appear easy, seeing something through to completion is not always so simple. It takes dedication and perseverance. During each person’s “faith race,” there will be hurdles to jump over and obstacles to overcome. However, successful completion requires you do not quit the “faith race” you are meant to run. After all, God will never quit on you, so you must choose every day to persevere and never quit on Him and His purpose(s) for you!
What Scripture Says About Running the Race You Are Given
In a letter to the church in Corinth, the Apostle Paul makes a direct comparison between physically running a race to receive a prize and the kind of “faith race” God’s children should run. Paul describes the need for strict training and self-discipline. He says each of us should “…[r]un in such a way as to get the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24, NIV).
The Apostle Paul does not stop at describing how to run a “faith race.” In fact, he elaborates on the prize runners receive at the conclusion of the race. Paul explains how the goal of an earthly race is “…to get a crown that will not last…” (1 Corinthians 9:25, NIV). However, each of God’s children should run their “faith race” in order “…to get a crown that will last” (1 Corinthians 9:25, NIV). What lasting crown is Paul describing? He is referring to the Crown of Life, or eternity in Heaven with God.
The New Testament book of Hebrews, also known as the Epistle to the Hebrews, addresses running and completing spiritual races, too. The message comes through loud and clear with “…let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith…” (Hebrews 12:1-2, NIV). In essence, Christians should not give up on their faith during difficult times. Rather, they should keep their focus on the reason for their faith, Jesus Christ, and keep moving forward. This way, when God’s children reach the end of their “faith race,” they will be able to say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7 NIV).
Closing Thoughts and a Call to Action
Remember the most accomplished people at any skill (i.e., running, spiritual growth, etc.) had to start somewhere. Currently, each of us is at a different stage of spiritual fitness in our respective “faith race” and, subsequently, should not compare our progress to anyone else’s. God doesn’t! Instead, as a Christian choose to harness and develop your faith by running your own “faith race.” After all, who better to run it than you, a wonderful, unique Child of God!