“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it… But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”
1 Corinthians 9:24–27 ESV
In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul compares our spiritual life to running a race. Athletes train with focus, sacrifice, and discipline. They don’t wake up on race day and hope for the best — they prepare daily. They push through discomfort. They build endurance. Paul reminds us that while athletes train for a temporary prize, we are training for something eternal.
These past few months have been difficult for me physically. The cold weather aggravates the arthritis in my joints, making it harder to exercise the way I would like. But instead of quitting completely, I chose to do what I could, even if it was just stretching or short, gentle workouts.
It wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t intense. But it was consistent. And that’s what matters.
We don’t have to work out for an hour every single day to make progress — we simply have to not give up. The same is true for our faith. We don’t have to read the entire Bible in one sitting. Sometimes one verse is enough. There have been days when I’ve read a single verse and written an entire devotional from it.
God speaks to those who listen.
And He honors effort — no matter how small it may seem.
Train your body. Train your mind. Train your spirit.
Your body responds to what your mind tells it. And I’ve found that the more disciplined I become physically and mentally, the easier it is to walk in spiritual discipline as well. Discipline isn’t about punishment — it’s about preparation.
Job 5:17–18 says:
“Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty. For he wounds, but he binds up; he shatters, but his hands heal.”
When we strength train, our muscles tear with each repetition. That tearing is necessary for growth. The strain produces strength. Over time, what once felt heavy becomes manageable.
Sometimes God allows us to feel stretched, pressed, or even torn down — not to destroy us, but to rebuild us stronger in faith. There are seasons when we feel broken, but those are often the very seasons where God is shaping endurance in us.
Don’t run aimlessly.
Don’t give up when it gets uncomfortable.
Run to win.
Not for applause.
Not for perfection.
But for the eternal prize.
Keep showing up. Even in small ways. Especially in small ways.
Ask yourself…
1. In what area of your spiritual life have you felt tempted to give up?
2. What small, consistent step can you take this week to strengthen your faith?
3. How has God used a difficult or “tearing” season in your life to grow you?
4. Are you running with purpose, or have you been feeling spiritually aimless?
5. What does “training for eternity” look like in your daily routine?
Dear Lord, Thank You for reminding me that this life is not a sprint but a race of endurance. Help me not to grow weary in doing good. Teach me to value discipline, not as punishment, but as preparation for the life You’ve called me to live. When I feel weak, stretched, or torn down, remind me that You are rebuilding me stronger. Give me consistency in small things and faithfulness in unseen moments. Help me run with purpose and keep my eyes fixed on the eternal prize. In Jesus’ name, Amen.