"the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong" Ecclesiastes 9:11
How many times have we seen major upsets in sports? I know of winter sports races and team sports games where the people winning or in 1st place started to celebrate too early. It seems okay to start accepting congratulations from fans, but a truly humble person won't even think about celebrating until the game is over or the last person has finished their race. Celebrating early is pride, and pride goes before a fall.
God blesses the humble. This is true in your spiritual walk as well. Learn humility, and the Lord will bless you for it. He will lift you up.
Paul compares the Christian life to a race because it is. In 1 Corinthians 9:24 it says, "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain." We need to run our course here on earth with faith to the best of our ability. He also says, "dont get weary". In other words, DON'T GIVE UP!
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 The Holy Spirit is telling us here that our loved ones and friends who have gone to heaven before us are cheering us on. They don't know everything you're doing, but I believe they know in general when you're on the right track, having spiritual victories, and fulfilling your destiny.
The books of James and Revelation say we will receive the "crown of life". In Revelation 21:7 it says, "He that overcometh shall inherit all things..." I want to inherit everything God has for me. How about you? When it looks like you're not winning, don't give up. The race is not to the swift. Keep looking to Jesus, the author and FINISHER of your faith. Keep your eyes on Him and His Word, and you will come out victorious.
