Run Straight Toward the Prize

About this time of year, if you’re a parent you’re holding your breath, hoping your child doesn’t go out for track.  Hours and hours of sitting in the bleachers to watch your son or daughter for two minutes of glory---maybe. J
 
Well, when I was in high school, I went out for track.  I don’t remember if my parents made the obligatory sacrifice of time in the bleachers.  If they had, there were no moments of glory.
 
I ran the anchor in the two mile relay.  That means I ran one-half mile.  Yikes!  Now if the other team lapped you, your team lost points.  In most races, by the time I was handed the baton, the other team was almost ready to lap us.  Everyone cheered me on as I gave it my all to stay ahead of the fellow breathing down my neck.  I’m proud to report that no team ever lapped us….whew!!
 
I attribute my track success, or lack thereof, to superb training.  Charlie was the fastest guy on the team.  During practice, the coach made Charlie run behind me and try to kick me if I slowed down.  Not that I was faster than Charlie, I could just out zig-zag him all over the track.  That’s how I stayed ahead in all my races.  Erratic zig-zagging makes the guy behind you think more about his safety than passing you! J
 
You know, life is kind of like running a two mile relay.  It’s a long haul.  Following Jesus is more of an endurance run that a short sprint.  So, you need to train as Paul tells us in 1st Corinthians 9:24.  “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?  Run in such a way to get the prize.”
 
If you feel the devil close behind you breathing down your neck, forget about the zig-zag maneuver.  Run straight toward the prize---JESUS!!  You’ll win every time!!
 
Out of breath but still loving each of you!
Pastor Allan
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