Running with Purpose

Run so as to win. Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. // 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

He called it “Run for Fun,” but there was nothing fun about it. It was everybody’s least favorite day in gym class. Every Wednesday, our grade school P.E. teacher would make us run laps around the soccer field for the entire hour. On other days we played dodgeball, or softball, or soccer, or capture the flag. But on Wednesdays, we ran. There was no choice, no option to sit out, and we all hated it. Our teacher never told us why he made us run or gave us a purpose for doing it. It was not for training or to get us in shape or help us play better in the other sports. There was nothing fun about “Run for Fun,” just aimless, purposeless running until the bell rang and we would be finally saved.

Our earthly experience can sometimes feel like discouraging, empty, and seemingly pointless running around without an end in sight. But the truth is, we are made for a purpose, and all our sufferings can be used for good to win the imperishable crown of Heaven. When we keep this spiritual perspective, even the most mundane and simple experiences of our life can have meaning. And sometimes, even within the challenges, we can find elements of fun.

Where in your life do you feel like you are purposelessly running to no end? What would it look like to keep your eye on the prize and offer your experiences to God, with confidence that He walks beside you? What is your next step to take towards the goal that you feel God is calling you to?

We are made for a purpose. // Mary Catherine CraigeClick to tweet

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