On Saturday I am going to attempt to run a 101k race. Yes, I know I am slightly crazy. I have prepared and with God’s grace I may actually complete it within the allotted 30 hours. It is a trail run at the Rann of Kutch in Gujurat, India. I still have my piriformis syndrome at this moment. Probably selfishly I got the faith and asked God to heal me and help me to complete the marathon, to survive it and not to cause any permanent damage to my body. I believe it will be OK.

This asking happened on Friday and on Sunday in my regular Bible reading I got the following verses:

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 The Message

24-25 You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally.

26-27 I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.

 

So there it is. Even though these earthly medals may have some value, what has much more value is the gold “medal” of eternal life that I will receive after running the race of this life in an un-sloppy way. This talks about a life of discipline. A life of giving everything I’ve got. The Message of the Bible is about living with the power of God for the glory of God, becoming more and more like Jesus.

Now this is a worthy goal. Jesus lived a life of love, obedient trust, sacrifice and hope. He gave himself and demonstrated everything He is asking of his followers. The simple act of trusting Him is making the biggest difference in my life. No more self-effort or worry if I remember to trust. No more fear or guilt or crippling bitterness or hatred if I remember to trust. No more lack of self-worth or purpose if I remember to trust.

Remember to trust.

Stephan