Eyes on the Prize

Have you ever heard of an Athlete who decides to declare himself winner of a race without getting to the finish line? I’m sure you haven’t. That’s because there’s no gift for partakes in a race until they get to the end. 

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run [their very best to win], but only one receives the prize? Run [your race] in such a way that you may seize the prize and make it yours!

1 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭24‬ ‭(AMP‬‬)

Let’s take the journey to Heaven as a race and all Christians are making moves to get to the finish line, and then someone gets distracted along the way. Distraction from the heavenly race can come in different forms. 

In fact, some distractions can cost you to deviate entirely from the race and take you to a place where you’re comfortable with being able to relax without any goal in mind. This is the plan of the devil for believers because his plans are the exact opposite of God’s good plan. 

Therefore, it is vital for you to fix your eyes on the prize.

Now every athlete who [goes into training and] competes in the games is disciplined and exercises self-control in all things. They do it to win a crown that withers, but we [do it to receive] an imperishable [crown that cannot wither].

1 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭25‬ ‭(AMP‬‬)

This is a call for you to keep your focus on the goal of making God proud with your actions and inactions, your habits and routines, your attitude and company, your values and decisions. Jesus is the perfect example of someone who never gave up regardless of the temptations and harsh pain He went through. 

If you ever feel alone in this race, please find succor in the Comforter. He is there to help you find a balance and anchor you through your seasons.

[looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work]. 

Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬ (‭AMP‬‬)

Fix your eyes on the prize my friend, He awaits you at the finish line.