1 Corinthians 9:24-26 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run their very best to win, but only one receives the prize? Run your race in such a way that you may seize the prize and make it yours! Now every athlete who goes into training and competes in the games is disciplined and exercises self-control in all things. They do it to win a crown that withers, but we do it to receive an imperishable crown that cannot wither. Therefore I do not run without a definite goal…….

Have you ever watched the Olympics, a football game, or a chess match? They all have one thing in common. They’re in it to win! But, they will never obtain their goal if they don’t train to win. As born again believers, we must also take our spiritual race seriously or we will not win. So, what kind of training do we have to do? First of all, we must know the rules of the game. Following the rules will enable us to obtain our prize.

We can know the rules by studying the Word of God and spending time in prayer. This will require time and effort. But, as you dig in the Word, you will become stronger and stronger. This will enable you to stay focused on the goals that God desires for your life. He will begin to show you where to go, what to do, and how to do it.

Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness, stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us, looking away from all that will distract us and focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity, who for the joy of accomplishing the goal set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work.

The second thing you must do is stay focused. Have you ever noticed that swimmer in the Olympics, the quarterback, or the chess player? They do not look to the left or the right. They do not look at the crowds. They look at the goal set before them. They have established a determined discipline to win.

In the same way, the more disciplined you become, the more focused you will be. Those sins that used to get in the way will fall away. All the distractions will not sway your determination to win. You will even be able to endure the trials that come your way. So, stay focused on the Word. Talk to God on a regular basis and listen to the directions He gives you. Before you know it, you’ll be on your way to obtaining all God has for you.  It’s your race! So, go out there and train to win!