In these last days, the true believers and followers of Christ must remain faithful. We must be persistent on the road of the straight and narrow path that leads to Jesus as described in Matthew 7:14. To be steadfast and unmovable, we must not be swayed or convinced by Satan’s tactics of discouragements. As followers of the Way, we must stay hopeful and endure till the end. Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 4:7-8, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” You and I must finish our race so “Keep Your Eyes on the Prize”.
In order to “Keep Your Eyes on the Prize”, we must be disciplined. Paul goes into detail about the requirement of self-discipline. 2 Corinthians 9:24-27 says, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” You have come to far to give up so “Keep Your Eyes on the Prize”.
Lastly, Hebrews 12:1 and 2 encourages us how to “Keep Your Eyes on the Prize”. It says, “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, 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.” There have been many followers that have walked this life before us. We can gain strength from those who ran this race so keep going!
In order for you and I to be victorious, we must keep our eyes on the prize because the ultimate prize is to reign with Christ Jesus forever.
Search myself and go deeper: ___________ is holding me back from running my race. Why I’m I allowing _____ to hinder my walk with Christ? I will search the scriptures for strength to lay aside every weight that tries to hinder me.