Weekly Devotional #003

Run The Race For His Glory, Not Your Own

When I was seven years old, I ran a race to qualify for the last spot on my school’s Student Olympic Relay Team. I was nervous, but determined! The race began and I was ahead for most of it. BUT as soon as I heard the footsteps of my classmates closing in, I lost my focus and the lead. I did not qualify and I was crushed!

Yesterday, during service, my Pastor said something in passing that hit me like a ton of bricks - “Have you been running this race of faith to compete or are you running for the glory of God?” In that moment, it hit me - I’ve been running my race of faith the same way my seven year old self ran it all those years ago.

“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. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable…” - 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

Why are you running your race of faith? What’s your motivation for doing the things you do in the Lord? I ask these questions to provoke a heart check. Why? Because as I’m typing this devotional, I’m becoming more aware that even our devotion to God can be corrupted into a form of self serving competition.

When we run our race of faith competitively, we run FOR victory. However, we quickly become exhausted by the constant need to prove ourselves to God and to others; our weariness grows proportional to the intensity of our running.

BUT, when we run our race for the glory of God, we run FROM victory! By His grace, though we may tire, every stride energizes our souls to endure! Our faithfulness and trust in the Lord grows exponentially as we set our eyes on the real prize - HIM!

I encourage you, friends - to rid yourself of your competitive edge as it pertains to this race of faith. Run in such a way that says, “Lord, I’m running for your glory, not my own! I’m running from victory, not for victory!” The Lord will reward this obedient running with the gift of continued endurance. It won’t be easy, but it will bring Him honor! And that’s a prize worth running for! Amen?

Love y’all,
Sheim
IV His Glory Clothing