THE ULTIMATE MARATHON

THE ULTIMATE MARATHON

 I am quite proud to report that my niece, Melissa Taylor Wade, is a marathon distance runner. This is a spectacular accomplishment of strength and endurance; and her parents, Rev. Charles Walker Wade and Mrs. Doris Bass Wade (my sister) are thrilled with her participation and progress. Admittedly, the mere thought of running such a long distance (26.2 miles or 42.2 kilometers) makes me feel utterly exhausted!

 The marathon has its origins in the year 490 B.C.  Legend has it that Pheidippides, a Greek messenger, ran from Marathon to Athens to announce that the Persians had been defeated by the Greeks in the Battle of Marathon.  He ran the entire distance without stopping, then burst excitedly into the assembly and announced, “We have won!” before collapsing and dying.

 Running the marathon is no small feat.  Melissa did not arrive at this competitive juncture without hundreds and hundreds of miles of rigorous running, endless endurance training and persistent bodily nurturing and conditioning. Unfortunately, some runners foolishly attempt the grueling marathon without such strenuous preparation.  This can result in serious injuries, health crises, or even deaths.

 In high school, my brothers and I were sprinters.  The sprint can be mastered by those who are able to emerge quickly out of the blocks with an ability to stride forward with maximum power, precision and fluidity.  Because, before you know it, the ‘100’ is over.

 However, it occurs to me that the Christian race is not a sprint.  In fact, it is very much like a marathon. Rigorous preparation is required.  Continuous prayer coupled with fasting, Word study, Word meditation, Word memorization and Word application are fundamental requirements for competing and winning in this race.  Some believers assume that these spiritual disciplines are unnecessary.  Unhappily, they achieve the results that are commensurate with passive attitudes and paltry preparation.

 Here are some practical success tips for THE ULTIMATE MARATHON:

 1) RUN WITH YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE.  “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize?  Run in such a way that you may obtain it.” (I Corinthians 9:24)

 2) RUN EMPOWERED BY A TEMPERATE [SPIRIT-CONTROLLED] LIFESTYLE.  “And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things.  Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.” (I Corinthians 9:25)

 3) RUN WITH CONFIDENCE AND CONVICTION.  “Therefore I run…not with uncertainty.” (I Corinthians 9:26)

 4) RUN WITH INTEGRITY TO AVOID DISQUALIFICATION AND TO INSPIRE OTHERS.  “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” (I Corinthians 9:27)

 5) RUN AS IF THE HOSTS OF HEAVEN ARE OBSERVING.  INDEED, THEY ARE!  “Therefore…since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…” (Hebrews 12:1)

 6) RUN WITH SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY AND ENDURANCE.  “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews 12:2)

 7) RUN UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE ULTIMATE COACH.  “Looking unto JESUS, the author and finisher of our faith.” (I Corinthians (:28)

 Winner-believer, never ever give up!  Remember: Victory is not the exclusive property of the swift or the strong, but it is the prized possession of every person who endures and finishes this Christian race.

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!