Running to Win

By Pearl Akazue on August 12, 2022 • ( 2 )

A few weeks ago, the world celebrated Tobi Amusan. Tobi is a Nigerian athlete who broke world records as the fastest 100 metres hurdles runner. She is the first Nigerian to hold such a record.

Watching the streams of joy roll down her eyes as Tobi was decorated was so emotional. Her much-celebrated victory was undoubtedly preceded by hard work, determination and consistency. Her private wins translated into the public success the world acknowledged.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us” (‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:1‬ ‭KJV; Emphasis mine‬‬).

The game of athletics is one that intrigued me when I was younger. On a few occasions, I attempted it but realized it wasn’t one of my strengths 😅. Venturing into athletics helped me appreciate what skilled athletes endure for optimal performance.

The feet of an athlete in a running track

Our Christian journey is like the game of athletes. Both need grit, focus, perseverance, consistency, discipline, and rigorous training to succeed. Our daily private victories in our walk with God might be unseen to man’s eyes, but God sees it all. Our reward isn’t an ephemeral medal or title but an everlasting prize. The most exciting part is that there isn’t one winner in this race; we can all be winners!

Another thing worth noticing about athletes is their attire. They put on body-fitting gears made of lightweight fabrics designed to be aerodynamic. Also, they wear running shoes designed to reduce friction and maximize their speed. They put aside every unnecessary piece of clothing that would weigh them down.

Our key verse admonishes us to “lay aside every weight” and to let go of every besetting sin. Identifying what the unnecessary ‘weight’ in our lives might be is crucial. In Christian circles, the term ‘weight’ might not necessarily mean something sinful. Instead, it signifies anything that holds one down. These include one’s hobbies, friendships, and so on.

It is expedient we eliminate anything that does not speed us up in our Christian race. Only then can we run the race before us and end in victory.