Walking in a Race

I was sitting and thinking about life and its scope, reflecting on the fact that life is not a dash, but is more of a marathon or perhaps even steeplechase of marathon length. Through life we encounter many obstacles just like in steeplechase.There are barriers to get over and water to go through. The barriers are of varying heights and widths, meaning some are jumped over and others are "climbed." Some jump over the water and others just run through it.

All of us are running the race of life, but we do not all run the same course, nor are we all facing the same challenges at the same time. Also, we have different styles and skills, so none of us will not navigate the course in similar manner. We can offer assistance and advice, but we need to be very cautious about telling others how to run their race of life.

Hebrews 12:1 (KJV)
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

1 Corinthians 9:24 (KJV)
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

Philippians 3:14 (KJV)
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.


2 Timothy 4:7-8 (KJV)
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 

In most of these passages, when the race or the running of the race is discussed, it becomes apparent that the race is not a thing of pleasure and leisure. Challenges (trials and tribulations) will come to all of us; the goal is to be able to say as Paul did, "I have fought ...

The goal in life is not to finish first, but rather to finish well. Let each of us run well that we might finish well.