40 Days Of Prayer - Day 14

1 Corinthians 9:24, 25
“Do you know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

We have a treadmill which makes the room it’s in the exercise room. It’s not a gym by any stretch but holds our one piece of equipment that enables us to keep moving regardless of the weather. I used it at times when I prepared to run a marathon many years ago because strict training was non-negotiable.

I trained for eight months and stuck faithfully to the plan because I knew that to succeed on race day I had to be prepared and for that I needed discipline. It did not matter how I felt, or if it was particularly hard on any given day I had to complete my daily goals because it was the only way to get to where I needed to go. If I cheated now I would be sorry later.

From day one alternately walking and running just around the block I began the journey that would help me run 26.2 miles! I took rest days and ate and drank in specific ways, keeping a close eye on potential injuries for optimum success.

So, let me ask you, how intentional and devoted are you going to be in order to grow to be more like Jesus? Spiritual disciplines are the habits and practices we engage in to become more like Christ. Daily, intentional decisions to read our Bible, pray, worship, fast, serve, study and live in community are just some of the disciplines we practice. Careful attention to these will enable us to move in the right direction and we will begin to resemble what we spend our time and focus on.

"Heavenly Father, show me your way. Teach me how to be more like You. Fill me with Your Spirit and guide me."
 
Written by Sheila Ely