Focus on your own race 

While I was watching the Olympics, I paid close attention to the runners. First, I noticed that the runners follow the rules of their particular sport. Second, the runners are dressed appropriately. Third, the runners stay in their lanes. Fourth, the runners listen for the word "GO." Fifth, the runners keep their eyes on the finish line. Sixth, the runners run straight toward the finish line. 

The behaviors of the runners reminded me of how Christians should behave each day. First, we should follow every Word in the Bible. Second, we should be dressed in God's armor, the garment of praise, and the robe of righteousness. Third, we must stay in our own lanes,  focusing on what God has called us to accomplish. Fourth, we must go (obey God) by faith when God says to complete a particular assignment. Finally, we must look forward at Jesus Christ, knowing He is our beginning and ending. Daily we are to strive to please God and to win souls for His Kingdom, knowing one day we shall behold our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! 


Hebrews 12:1-3 states, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."


Yes, we will face obstacles as we run our appointed races,  but we must continue to remove any garments that are unsuitable for a race. Spiritually speaking, we must remove all of the works of the flesh (violence, rage, lust, pride, witchcraft, rebellion, sexual perversion, lying,  cheating, etc.). Then we will progress in God!


Also, Philippians 3:13-14 reads, "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."


Unlike the Olympics, we Christians wI'll all receive rewards for completing our own races. Why? Because we are not competing with others. We are simply obeying the voice of God concerning our lives (our divine missions). 


Your race might be rocky, but keep running. Your race might be lonely, but keep running. Your race might be overwhelming, painful, disappointing, harsh, intimidating, frustrating, dark, slippery, thorny, dusty, or cold, but keep running toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus! Don't give to. Drink from the water of the Word when you're first and you will be refreshed.  But whatever you do,  follow the voice ofthe Holy Spirit and keep moving toward the finish line.