“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one recieveth the prize?  So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.  Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we aren’t incorruptible.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

Today’s Christian daily devotional

Boom, boom, boom…the sound of my legs pounding on the treadmill is stifling.  Here I am again, feeling like an ignorant puppy that continues wagging it’s tail in the hopeful expectation of actually getting a treat. Sadly, that treat never seems to come.

I have been beyond consistent in showing up to the gym six days a week, hauling around weights like a logger, trekking my miles on the treadmill, eating the foods that most of my friends would only feed their pet rabbits…and still the scale refuses to budge in my favor.

I fantasize about forgetting this workout mumbo-jumbo and soothing my frayed nerves with a hot slice of Rosati’s pizza.–EXTRA cheese, please! The temptation to just throw in my workout towel and call this whole thing off is beyond strong; my knees actually weaken at the thought of it.

As the upbeat music echoes through my iPod, the jovial tune seems to be mocking my efforts. Who am I kidding? When’s it ever going to actually be my day?

I slam on the red stop button.  My feet quickly grind down to a steady pace and then the belt stops.

“There.  I quit.” I say the words out loud; relieved that there is no one actually in the gym who witnesses my defeat.

Tossing my iPod on the consul, I gaze out the window in silence. Earnestly asking myself:  “Now what? Where do I go from here?” Beads of sweat trickle down my chest.

The answer is simpler than I would like to think.  If I quit this whole ‘taking care of my health thing’ what will happen then? If I stop things will not get better for me– they will most assuredly get worse.

As I watch the people walking on the street below me from window of the gym, I am reminded me that even though I may have stopped my treadmill, life will continue to move on.

Looking down at my motionless legs still standing on the quiet treadmill, the irony compels me to just push the green “go” button; the belt hums back to life again.

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 is a great reminder that every human being is in this race called life. Life is not easy for anyone; each person has to battle his or her personal demons.

My temporary trail just happens to be these last five pounds. And next year I am quite positive (and determined) that it will be something totally different. But one thing is for sure, if I quit that will make me a quitter. And, quitters never win.

I am compelled to keep trying, because deep down, I know there is a winner inside just bursting to realize my potential.

This confidence comes from the Holy Spirit rising up from within me reminding me that I was never created to be a quitter; I was created to keep going. And day-by-day, one mile at a time—that is exactly what I have determined to do.

“Dear Heavenly Father,

I am discouraged.  It feels like the harder I try, the harder things get.  I throw in the towel today.  I admit I need some help here.  Maybe I am depending on myself too much and not trusting in you like I should.

I repent of this, Lord.  I have goals, dreams and things I want to accomplish and sometimes I get a head of myself. 

Let me stop for a moment and regroup here.  I want to thank you for taking me this far.  Give me the grace to go even farther.  As I remember all the victories of you helping me in the past, help me to see the victories that are on the horizon.  Restore the joy of the Lord as that will be my strength.

Thank you Lord for reminding me that it is not about me, it is about you and your perfect timing.

Sorry for being angry with you and blaming you for not moving me ahead in the time frame I had in mind.  In Jesus’ precious name, your timing is perfect timing, Amen.”

Thank you for reading today’s Christian daily devotional on verses: 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!

Author: Julia Shalom Jordan