Run!

1 Cor.9:24Do 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. Over and over, as we watch the athletes compete at the summer Olympicswe see it is not how they begin a race or competition but how they finish that counts!So too it is with the most sacred and ultimate universal race,but, should we not win, this is one heartbreaking lossno one can afford, because there is no coming back'next year'  or in four years to try again.No, it is not how we burst out of the gates at the starting line but by the grace and fear of God, how we perseverethrough the ups and downs of life, faithful to the endthe counts eternally! For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end Heb.3:14 ...so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Fatherat the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God;  for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.1 Thess.3:13. & 4:1 Run! Fit for the calling, cutting worldly ties  Training like an athlete fixed upon the prize Run! with firm endurance, with no backward staresLest some former stumble distracts and despairs Run! lest in some moment, in the hardest partWe look back with longing of a wicked heart Run! lest love of leisure, seeking to attractLures us from the treasure Heaven keeps intact Run! with holy yearning, though no roars applaudTrained to be discerning through the Word of God Run! and feel the pleasure of the joy that waitsAs the fervent faithful pass through Heaven's gates © Janet Martin