Run So That Ye Obtain

"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize?  So run, that ye may obtain."  I Corinthians 9:24.  In an earthly race, many may run, but only the fastest will win the prize.  In the spiritual race, all who run will win the prize.  The reward that God offers is given to all those who will engage in the race until the end.  In an earthly race, some may falter along the way, and fail to complete the race.  So, also, in the spiritual race, some may faint and grow weary.  They will be given no prize for they did not finish.  The prize of eternal life will only be given to those who engage in the race and cross the finish line.  Our finish line comes at our death.  It makes no difference when we begin to run.  All that matters is that we run and finish.  The exhortation which we are considering invites us to run so that we may obtain.  God is faithful to His promise of reward to those who engage in the spiritual battle.  Running a race requires preparation and endurance.  To run in God's race means that we must prepare ourselves to run, and that we must continue until our race is complete.  The race will end at different times for each of us, but we will obtain if we so run.