Running for Life Pt 2: Direction

1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize?So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win the prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline  my body like an athlete training it to do what it should, Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.

What would a race look like if everyone was going in different directions? What if those in the race were not running in the direction of the finish line? What if they ran in the opposite direction? Odds are they would have a hard time reaching the finish line if at all.

In a race the path to the finish line is marked with signs and markers letting you know where you are, where to turn, and even how far you have gone. The night before my first 5K I was given a map of the course that showed the start and finish lines, the direction I was to run, and where the turns were. As I was running each mile was marked, each turn was marked, and there were even folks on the side line encouraging us and pointing us in the right direction. I knew I wanted to cross the finish line in a certain time, I had my purpose, but before the race started I also knew how I was going to get there.

Go Commando 5k Clarksville, TN

It doesn't matter how clear and precisely marked your finish line or purpose is, if your course is not set and you don't have a clear direction on how you are going to get there...you will have a hard time crossing your finish line if at all. You will struggle in accomplishing your goal. Take some times before the starting gun sounds and mark out your course. Set each step. Clearly mark your turns. Where will your uphill climbs and down hill coasts be? Don't just choose the shortest distance either. Just because it's quicker doesn't mean it's the best way either. Make sure you have people in your life at the right places cheering you on pointing you in the right direction. Don't get distracted by the scenery or try to take shortcuts. Make sure you stay on the right path until reach the end.