The bible says, "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" (1 Corinthians 9:24). In life you only get to run once, so run to win. To avoid stumbling or losing your place, don't keep looking back. You can't change the past, but thank God you can learn from it and leave it behind. Don't be anxious about the next phase; focus only on the next step.

Sometimes you will fall....either from a missed step or from being tripped by someone. The temptation will be strong to give up and stop running because of your wounds. Don't give in...don't stay on the sidelines for too long! Get your wounds tended to by the Great Physician and get back in the race. He may ask you to get back to running before you are fully healed. At these times you will have to trust Him get in the race again, despite the pains and tears. Before you know it you'll have more laps behind you than ahead of you.

"Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." Many of us carry the weight and worry of the burdens that are of no real importance. We spend our energy on the baggage of old relationships, pointless fears, crippling worries and false indebtedness to those who seek to manipulate us. We must "peel" these off from our backs just like blind Bartimeaus who when he heard that Jesus was within reach, threw off his coat lest it trip him up as he ran towards Jesus. Finally, as you run picture yourself as a success in this race you've been called to. And what is success? Receiving the prize when you meet Jesus face to face!