Scripture
I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News! I have no choice, for God has given me this sacred trust. So run to win! I run with purpose in every step. 1 Corinthians 9:16, 17, 24, 26

Observation
I remember as a kid marching with my dad through snow choked fields. Dad’s stride was measured with a yard stick and mine with a ruler. I tried so hard to keep up with his footsteps.

Reading this passage feels very much the same. Paul the super apostle has left a wide stride in history for us to follow. One step of Paul takes at least two of mine. But I want to know his secret.

Paul’s success is found in this: he was running scared. God was on his tail so he kept pushing the message forward. We could dress this up and talk about the appeal of ministry, but Paul doesn’t. God’s call left him shaking in his boots. What terrified him was not God’s anger rather God’s kindness. God had trusted him and he would never betray the Lord’s trust.

Paul ran in order to win. On a sidewalk of shuffling pedestrians, Paul was sprinting for the finish line. Paul put purpose in every step. He never diddled around. He thought through every forward step like a rock climber and made them count.

Application
Today I will put purpose into every step. I am ready to run. God has given me a push and my purpose is to keep pace with God’s purpose for my life.

Prayer
Father, I want to keep up with Jesus’ plan for me. I’m ready to run. Amen.