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May 06, 2026 06:00am

Run Your Race

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Run your race.

I heard that over and over as a runner in high school. Our coach trained us for the physical aspect of a race, with lots of running, reminders about energy (and what to eat and what not to eat), good sleep habits, and the movements of our bodies during a run. But she also taught us about the mental aspect of a race. Yes, it was a competition, but you couldn’t focus on your opponents’ races. If you looked behind you, even just to see how close they were, it slowed you down.

And then there were the mental struggles that would begin to attack. Reminders of the times when you had failed before. The anxiety that something would happen during your run like it had last year. Little memories of the past would creep in and threaten your confidence and determination.

You had to run your race and press on.

We knew what was ahead.

We had our eyes fixed on the prize.

For some, it was the award of a first-place ribbon or medal. And for others, it was the recognition for their hard work and sacrifices that paid off in the end with a win. And the cool drink of water and banana at the finish line was nice too (you know how I love my snacks 😉).

Philippians 3:12–14
“12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”

Paul was telling the believers in Philippi that their faith in Christ and the mission God has for them here on this earth was like running a race.

Run your race—the mission God called you to as a follower of Christ to live like Him, share the gospel, and make disciples.

Forgetting the past—Paul had all the reason to doubt his qualifications as a missionary, but he trusted in God’s call and didn’t look back.

Keep your eyes focused on the prize ahead—to be with the Lord and hear the Savior say “well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

I’m not sure where you are in your race to the finish line, but wherever you are, keep pressing forward. Don’t give up! You have a purpose and a Savior who loves you and has chosen you. And He desires for you to continue with Him as He completes His mission to reach the lost here on this earth.

How amazing is that?! The Almighty God wants to use us?! In the place where you work, in the group where you volunteer, in the city where you live, at the park where your kids play, in the home you share with the ones you love—that’s a mission field.

The enemy wants to distract us. But like our coach, Paul says remember the things you’ve learned. Keep your eyes focused on Christ and run this race He’s set before us.

Are you not sure how to even begin? I get it. I was there once too. I thought I knew God but in reality, I knew so little about the Bible. I didn’t fully know His plan for my life, my purpose, and I sure didn’t know Him as well as I thought I did. Maybe you just need a friend to show you. Let me help guide you. Go to follow.lifeword.org and create a free account. This digital discipleship tool will help you learn the truth about Christ and what it means to follow Him. I’ll meet you there.