You Have To Enter To Win

“I returned and saw under the sun that—The race is not to the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor bread to the wise, Nor riches to men of understanding, Nor favor to men of skill; But time and chance happen to them all.”


Ecclesiastes 9:11


The race isn’t always to the swift came to mind when I read a quote the other day about a young man who entered a Spartan Race. A Spartan Race if you are wondering is the world’s premier obstacle course race (OCR). An OCR is a running race with the additional challenge of obstacles along the course. These obstacles require athletes to have a complete fitness level (cardiovascular fitness + strength + mobility). One of the athletes in the race posted a picture of himself competing with the following caption, “I might not be the fastest but I beat everyone who didn’t show up.” That might seem like just some cute pithy statement a guy who is slow might use to say, “at least I am trying” but in this case the caption really had an impact as the guy who posted the picture of himself was injured in an accident and had no legs. He was a double amputee from the waist down but that didn’t stop him from competing in one of the most grueling athletic competitions out there today.

No matter what place this guy came in he is a winner and is recognized by every participant and spectator alike for the inspiration his life offers to others to overcome not just the obstacles on a race course but the ones life throws our way too. The apostle Paul wrote to the church in 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.” The point is, you have to enter to win and entering is half the battle. Like the guy wrote, “I might not be the fastest but I beat everyone who didn’t show up.” So true!

God doesn’t care so much what place we come in, what matters most to God is that we give it our all. Go all in today, friend, don’t let anything or anyone stop you from offering God your best today. Thats the prize we are after. Jesus Christ is both the reward and the rewarder of our faith. Keep your eyes on Jesus and run your race the best you can!



“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

Hebrews 11:6


I LOVE YOU!