Bible Study - "Getting Ready for the Race"

Scripture: Philippians 3: 13-14

The Bible compares the Christian life to a race. Before a competition, the runners have to prepare long and hard to try to obtain the prize for which they compete. Like these runners, Christian women have to prepare for the spiritual race in their Christian life. Every year we are running another lap of our race, and every year we are getting closer to the finish line.

What do we need to win the race?

One of the most important things we need is discipline (1 Corinthians 9: 24, 27). Successful runners are those who have physical strength and endurance to go the distance. They are very disciplined in their training, their diet, and their weight-training. In the same way Christian women have to be very disciplined. We need to be disciplined in our devotional life; praying, fasting, reading the Bible and seeking the Lord's direction.

When we are not disciplined, we often miss our time alone with our Savior. How is your devotional life? Do you feel empty? Do you feel thirsty?

The other thing we need to win the race is direction (Philippians 3:13,14). We cannot win a race by turning to look behind us. Anyone who is in a competition knows that looking back can waste essential time that is needed in order to win.

Likewise, as Christian women, we cannot stop to look back at what we have done or at what has happened in the past. It is necessary to leave the past behind us. The Bible says to "forget the things which are before." We need to forget the bad and hurtful experiences that we have had, and let our wounds heal. We need to look forward and focus on the direction where God is leading.

Runners who obtain their prize are those who reach for the goal as they approach the finish line.

Likewise, we need to reach for the goal. We need to reach out for opportunities to serve the Lord. When God leads us, there is no room or possibility for failure. We will be victorious is this race when we run towards the finish line in the direction God is calling us and reach for the goal He sets before us there.

Get ready to run the race by using your time wisely. Dedicate this year to our "King of Kings," "Lord of Lords." Live to glorify Him always and you will be awarded the prize of being in His presence (Revelation 22:12).

Written by: Rev. Aracelis Perdomo