A race is defined as running or pursuing a particular course. Our lives are defined by our respective races. So, how are you running your race? Do you find yourself easily distracted? Are you enslaved by your sins? Are you frustrated by unfulfilled desires? Well, Galatians 5:7 makes a bold statement. It says, “You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth?” We cannot let other people, past incidents, current circumstances, or ourselves to stop us from living our lives for God’s glory, so declare, “I’m Gonna Run My Race”!
To help you and me run our races well, let’s look at two biblical individuals who exemplified this thought. We will start with King David. Even when his son Absalom sought to assassinate him, enemies from every side against him, and King Saul hunting him down, he refused to be distracted. David said in Psalm 62:1-2, “I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.” David was obedient to his assignment, and he reminded himself often, “I’m Gonna Run My Race”!
Now, let’s talk about Paul. You know that same Paul who persecuted and killed believers before Jesus met him face to face. Paul faced numerous challenges, including being beaten, ridiculed, shipwrecked, abandoned by others, and misunderstood. Paul was able to stay devoted to his race with the help of the Holy Spirit. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 describes to us one way Paul was able to run his race well. It says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.” Paul, too, was unyielding and resolute, reminding himself that “I’m Gonna Run My Race”!
There are countless examples of outstanding men and women in the Bible, as well as people in our own lives, who have shown us how to run the race successfully. These people maintained their faith in God. They remained obedient to their duty despite numerous errors, failures, and misdeeds. Regardless of what you see, your experiences, or the challenges you encounter today, you can declare, “I’m Gonna Run My Race” with the power of the Holy Spirit!
Search myself and go deeper:
1. Who is hindering me from running my race?
2. Do I have unmet, unanswered desires that God has not fulfilled?
3. Am I willing to lay aside EVERYTHING to run my race well?
Action Plan: (Choose 1 or more)
1. Read about the life of David or Paul. Allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you and encourage you on how to run your race well.
2. Meditate on these two scriptures:
Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”
Philippians 3:14 “I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”
3. Repent and confess to the Lord that you have been distracted on your race. Ask the Lord to help and guide you to His word so you can live the life He desires for you to live.