Called 4 Jesus

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

“Get on your Mark, get ready, go!” Words athletes love to hear. Yet, what do these athletes go through to run a race?

1. Training is Necessary!

George Muller was an evangelist who lived In 19th century England. He also established orphanages from faith and prayer. Muller NEVER asked a person for money! People at that time had enough to worry about. Disease and homelessness was rampant. Money belonged to the one percent of people. Everyone else struggled. So why place a burden on someone that had trouble feeding their own family.

Psalms 50:9. I have no need of a bull from your stall
    or of goats from your pens,
¹⁰ for every animal of the forest is mine,
    and the cattle on a thousand hills.
¹¹ I know every bird in the mountains,
    and the insects in the fields are mine.
¹² If I were hungry I would not tell you,
    for the world is mine, and all that is in it.

Needless to say, God supplied ALL his needs. Muller aligned himself with God’s will, through prayer. Not looking inward, at himself, but outward towards Jesus.

Here’s one of Muller’s famous stories.

It was time for breakfast, but there was nothing in the house to feed the children. That didn’t stop George. He had the children dressed, washed and sat them at the tables. “Is everyone hungry?”. The children all cheered, clapped and proclaimed their yes’s.

“Jesus has a special treat for us today. So, Let us thank Him. Every eye closed, every head bowed.”

As soon the prayer ended, there was a knock on the door.

It was the milkman. “Mr. Muller, my cart broke down in front of your orphanage. Would you mind watching it, while I get someone to fix it? By the way, here’s some milk for your children.”

As the last cup was poured, there was another knock on the door.

This time it was the baker, “God impressed me this morning to make some fresh bread for the children.”

Jesus gave his kids an incredible breakfast. Hot bread and fresh milk. Have you ever eaten this? You’ve got to try it!

Rarely do we hear what Muller had to do to get to that point of belief. The amount of prayer, pleading on bended knees, tears shed, and the ridicule. It’s enough to make a person give up. Clearly, Muller had to “fight to complete the race.”

Training is difficult. Making a earthly mind submit to God is not an easy task. Failing, falling, get bruised, feeling soar then getting up and trying again. There’s the coach, along side the athlete. Words of encouragement.

I’ve seen athletes cry at the finish line. The effort, strain and effects are enormous. 110% yells coach Jesus.

2. Every Athlete needs a “Fan Club.”

Many people fall out of the race, because there is no cheering section. The right friends and family make a difference. As well as building your Trinity relationship.

Clearly, God assigns you people to guide you. To love and care for you. There are some sent to distract you. The others just “passing by.”. As you mature in Christ, God assigns you to people to care for. By discernment, you can recognize, people.

Note: don’t get upset when your pleas are denied by others. Including, pastors, ministries, churches, etc. There are factors we have to consider. Not assigned to you, having a hard time, wrong timing to name a few. Christians need “thick skin” and need to adapt and move forward.

A man was sharing with a Believer, her house flooded. “In this life, we will experience suffering. Yet no one has whipped you. No one has nailed you on the cross. We have not really suffered. Continue in prayer. God will hear you.”. Doesn’t sound like much help when your world is upside down. Yet, Jesus trains us to continue the race. Build our endurance. Yes, the lady got help. She prayed for money, but got construction workers. Little by little her house is being renovated. The spiritual house as well as the physical.

Do you remember Shadrach, Meshach and Abendigo? They did not give in to the king of the land. Stay with Christ in the race. He is with you in the fire.

3. Starting Line.

Al came home from work and was completely exhausted. He laid down on the couch and quickly fell asleep. Al opened his eyes to a Green field and little flowers everywhere. There was a mix of fresh cut grass with fragrant flowers. The scenery was wonderful. He looked up at some rolling hills and noticed three crosses. Al blinked and he was on that Hill. He faced the center cross. Realizing where he was, he fell to his knees.

He was filled with remorse, filled with shame and started sobbing. “Jesus, why did you do this for me? I’m not worth it! I’m so sorry, I made you suffer.”. This line was repeated over and over by this broken man.

It seemed like hours kneeling at the cross. At varied moments, Al woke up on the couch. “Oh, it’s just a dream.” Fell back asleep and like hitting a play button, the dream continued. He was right back on the hillside. Al finally dared to look up. Feet hanging on the cross. Then legs, a torso. Al’s eyes moved slowly. “Am I going to see Jesus?”. Then another blink, Al was on the cross. There was no pain, but some breathing problems. Al looked down, gasping. There was Jesus staring up. Then He said something that is burned into my memory. “You must give blood for the blood you have received.”. Al woke up to morning, soaking wet.

A statement of faith for every Believer. Loose yourself in Christ. Run the race to win, not just to cross the finish line.

Athletes hear the starting gun, and do what? One step and done? Run to the end!

Christians, don’t just say the “magic words” and be done with God. Continue the race, pray, find a church, find a mentor, read the Bible, study the bible, read the Bible. Yes, lol, I said it twice. I’m not talking about works, I’m talking about continuing your salvation.

Romans 10:17. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

John 12:2426. “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”

4. Cross the Finish Line.

Dick Hoyt, entered the Boston Marathon and iron man competition for years. What was unusual about this? His handicap son was in tow the whole time. The son Rick could only talk from a laptop of special design. So 1977, Rick asked his out of shape dad, “I want to run the race. I don’t feel handicapped, in a race.”.

About 32 Boston Marathons, numerous iron man runs. Running, biking, swimming all these competitions with Rick in tow. Dick Hoyt NEVER won any race he entered. Yet for love he competed over 30 years. Love for a son.

There is a statue of the father and son team, at the start of the Boston Marathon. Boston fell in love with the Hoyt family, largely because of the Dad’s dedication to his son.

God calls out, “my children, I have a prize for you. Focus on the finish line. To the final steps. I await you.” Jesus cries out, “I showed you the way, you can do it.!”. The holy Spirit is pressing you forward, one more step. Yes, good, now another.

Can you feel the love of Jesus? Some days, I know He carried me and never gave up on me. He loves you just as much. Please run to the end.

Much blessings to you.