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. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2
For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in Him but also suffer for His sake, Philippians 1:29
Are we on the last lap of the race, or the beginning or the middle? There are several consider things to consider when trying to answer that question. It’s a matter of perspective. There is the personal perspective and the greater community, country, world perspective, and then there is the spiritual and God’s timeline perspective. Depending on what the Holy Spirit is telling you — will determine how you are to run at that stage of (your) the race. In the beginning of the race you have to control your pace as your adrenaline is high so you don’t go out too fast. In spiritual terms it is the immaturity of the youth wanting to go fast. The middle of the race is usually pain control — and learning which steady pace can be maintained at the level of pain that you can endure. The middle is usually the time of raising children and a family and trying to make ‘ends meet’ on the financial part of life. The middle is difficult because your resources only go so far, and sleep is oh so precious. The end of the race — you have to give everything you have left in your ‘tank’ while ignoring the high level of pain as the finish line is in sight. If you’ve managed the race well — then your ‘kick’ at the end will be just right as you have practiced.
There are so many spiritual parallels to running a race well. This would be a great conversation to have with the Holy Spirit. Ask Him questions. Where am I on this race with you? Who should I ask to encourage me along my race? What advice Coach do you have for me at this stage of my race? What is the best path for me at this stage of my race? Should I follow another runner?
Is your Coach trying to teach you what you will need to finish the race well? Is He trying to tell you how to increase your ‘personal record’ (PR)? How important is the discipline of patience at the stage of the race you are in? Can you find the joy in the moment so that patience will have it’s greatest effect in you so that you can endure to the end? The fruit of the Spirit is your resource for the task He currently has you doing. Which fruit is currently needed to complete the task well?
Are you listening closely to the past advice the Coach gave to you? Are you listening to Him yell at you this moment so that you can navigate with excellence the next few yards? Are you hearing the encouragement from those who love you and are cheering you on?
Run your race well! Listen to what the Holy Spirit / your Coach is telling you this moment!