In the Word on Wednesday: 1 Corinthians 9:26-27

This week’s verse has both practical and spiritual applications:

“Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:26-27)

A few months ago, I posted a ten-week half-marathon training schedule. Our aim was to be ready for the Cowtown Race in Fort Worth on March 1.

Which was last Sunday.

But we weren’t there.

As it turns out, the marathon and ultra-marathon distances were cancelled due to ice. They still held the shorter-distance races, but several runners slipped and got hurt.

But that’s not really why we missed it.

We sat out because we weren’t ready for the race. Our training fell by the wayside when our family went on vacation back in January. Sure, we got a little running in during the southern leg of our trip, but we stopped even trying once we met up with Winter Storm Juno further north.

But now that all the ice has melted and the temperatures are starting to climb, we’ve laced up our running shoes and are starting afresh.

My husband and I both felt a little winded after yesterday’s run, but we’re determined to stick with it.

And that’s exactly what we need to do when we get spiritually off-track, as well:

Have you neglected your prayer life? Begin again.
Has Bible study fallen by the wayside? Prioritize it.
Has your church attendance fallen off? Start afresh.
Have you forgotten your memory verses? Review them.
Has your love for God grown cold? Rekindle it.

Spring is right around the corner. It’s a time for new beginnings. But you needn’t wait for birds and bunnies and blossoms to appear. You can experience springtime in your soul today.

Just set your eyes on the prize, and keep running till you reach it.

You’ll find this week’s memory verse in the second set of our Scripture Memory Flashcards: