Prosper With Money

One of my brother’s is competing in the St.Croix Half Ironman this Sunday. I am amazed at his dedication to train for this event, knowing he needs to place first in order to qualify for the Full Iron Man competition, which is his ultimate goal.  In I Corinthians 9:24-25a we read: “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…”.

I am inspired by my brother and these passages, not only to get off my backside and take better care of my body, but  also to keep pressing on in my relationship with Christ. We have one chance to run this race called life, and despite the heavy training that we sometimes undergo, we will find blessing at the end of the race if we persevere. We can run it half-heartedly or we can make the choice to give it everything we’ve got and, Lord willing, on that final day hear His Words of praise:  ”Well done, my good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21).

Striving to live for Jesus is not easy. There are days when I want to throw in the towel with everything, from trying to avoid sin and even to standing firm in practicing the financial principles that I teach to others. But you know what? It’s not worth it to just give up. Hebrews 12 challenges us to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and [encourages us to] run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1b) In other words, don’t give up the good fight!

Rather, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the JOY set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:2-3).  Jesus didn’t give up on me. I don’t want to give up on Him! When we grasp the magnitude of what He did for us on the cross and accept Him as our Lord and Savior, not only can we persevere out love for Him, but we also find strength to press on by the power we have received through His Holy Spirit! 

So, in the matter of our heavenly race, may the Holy Spirit strengthen us to persevere through trials, that our Heavenly Trainer may fit us for His Kingdom!

…And Scott, we are so proud of you! Fix your eyes on the prize and may the Lord protect you and be the wind that carries you across the finish line! Go get it!

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