Whether it’s a foot race, a horse race, a motor race or a race for a cure, every race begins at the starting line with the finish line in mind, if not in plain view.
But prior to any starting line, preparation for the upcoming task usually takes place and it undoubtedly involves some form of sacrifice and discipline. Whether it’s a physical workout of the body, exercising the mind, conducting research or studying the competition, all these prerequisite elements make deep contributions to the end result. But, nothing does so quite like the will—the will to win, the will to succeed.
Will has its eyes on the prize—always—and doesn’t place focus on the things behind or beside it but on that one thing before it. In order to win, will won’t be confined or limited by external or superficial factors: experience, strength (or lack thereof); not even age makes a difference, for will recognizes the age of the soul is eternally young. Will doesn’t waste precious time deliberating over such matters because its foundation is built on a much higher standard—the recognition that when it’s done its very best, God is truly pleased.
And though your will may have gotten you to the winners circle, a true win doesn’t always mean you walk away with the trophy, the ring or the beauty, but with the grand prize of knowing you participated in the race at all. In the end as well as at the start, true victory resides not just in the will to win but in the will to begin.
You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally ~1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (The Message)
© February 2007 (2017 Revision) by Vivi Monroe Congress, D. Min
All Rights Reserved.
