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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 wreath." 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, ESV I feel a little like Peter. Hot and cold. Back and forth. Brilliant and not so brilliant. Bold and timid. Peter stepped out on the water in a storm with waves high and low to go to his friend and Savior, Jesus. Onward he lurched, up the wall of water and down again. Then, he saw the waves. He began to sink and immediately Jesus was by his side, holding onto him, and preventing him from drowning. I wonder what caused Peter to look away from Jesus. Did he realize he couldn't leap back into the boat and he was out of reach of the lifeline of the oars? Throughout a single day, I waffle between bold faith and the temptation to quit. Life holds so many uncertainties with ministry, outcomes of relationships, and unanswered prayers. I want a guarantee that my efforts in spiritual practices, commitment to God and ministry, and my abiding in Christ will not be wasted. Paul Tournier writes, "Faith demands uncertainty, confusion. The Bible includes many proofs of God's concern—some quite spectacular—but no guarantees. A guarantee would, after all, preclude faith." And there lies the challenge: to walk by faith and not by sight, trusting God despite the wind and waves my eyes may see. The Apostle Paul writes to the Corinthians about many issues in his letters to them. In this passage, he references running a race. The Corinthians were familiar with races because every other year, they held games called the Isthmian Games, second in importance to the Olympics. The games took place on a narrow strip of land between two larger bodies of land. The athletes competed for a single prize: a wreath, which obviously did not last. Paul uses this imagery to demonstrate the commitment and determination these athletes had to win a perishable prize. In contrast, Paul tells us we have an imperishable prize when we finish our race—eternity with Christ, which is our ultimate victory. Finishing the race means remaining faithful to Christ throughout our lives. We can demonstrate our faithfulness by exercising self-control, self-discipline, self-denial, and love in our relationships. | 
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