"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 ESV
Only one person receives the prize. Grace has won. The race is over as far as salvation is concerned.
"So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest" - Hebrews 4:9-11a ESV
"And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them" - Acts 14:27a KJV
We rehearse what has happened and review the directions to enter into rest.
We are trained in grace and by grace to return to grace and look for grace solutions.
We can have unity as a team when we function in grace. We defer to one another for a common goal... revealing God's Love... revealing the Savior.
Just as runners wake up and tie the laces of their shoes perhaps half awake to go our and train for the coming race we can put on Jesus Christ and become oriented to grace.
It is work for the runner and takes effort. Our faith is effortless. As a matter of fact it is the opposite. We cease from striving and remind ourselves that, 'It is finished.' there was only one winner.
Today is the day to bask in the victory that has already been won.
With thankful hearts we can face any challenge. We are more than conquerors. Grace has won and Jesus has handed the trophy to us.
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