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.

1 Corinthians 9:24

St. Paul says that our Christian life is like a race. In his day, the winners were crowned with a wreath of flowers which would soon wither and decay. The race of life for us is different. Everyone on Jesus’ team will receive the crown of life that lasts forever. And it’s not something we must earn or achieve. The crown of eternal life is a gift that Jesus earned for us on the cross, a gift we can count on no matter how challenging the race of life may become.

When we near the finish line of life, it may be like a sprint or like a marathon that goes on and on. For some, the final laps can be quite a struggle. But there at the finish line, our Lord will be waiting to welcome us home with the crown of life, the prize, that lasts forever.

Gil Duchow
Muskego, WI

Lord Jesus, thank You for the assurance that by Your grace, our finish line is at heaven’s door. Amen.

Reflect: Share with someone for whom life is a struggle: The assurance that Jesus is with them all the way.

Read: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and 2 Timothy 4:6-8