1 Corinthians 9:24 You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. 25 All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally…. 27 I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.

Athletes train hard, they all want to win.  They train and are sold out to the idea that they will win, but in reality they don’t all win.  Even if they do, it’s a temporary win.  Eventually they will be too old, their bodies will give out, their trophies will tarnish.  They devote themselves, sacrifice their own comfort, for a TEMPORARY prize without eternal promises.  How much more should we be sold out to our own training, knowing that our prize is ETERNAL, never fading, and it is God-honoring.  AND, our prize is guaranteed!  We are going to win.

I wantto stay vigilant, keep practicing the things that keep me strong in the Lord.  Do I have the courage to be radically obedient so that life will have an eternal impact on those around me?

Lord help me to be radically obedient to the convictions that You have called me to.  Give me courage and discipline to live the life that You have purposed for me.  Help me to show my children how to live a life of faith and trust.  Give me strength to purge my life of everything that is not of you.  Let your joy shine all over me and my children.  Keep us daily on the path to serve you as a family.   You are so worth it.  Your promises are true and everlasting.  Our prize is guaranteed and eternal.  Thank you Jesus!