July 18

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize. — 1 Cor 9:24 BSB

Christian life isn’t meant to be easy. There’s a cost for any success we want to achieve.

A student who wants to earn honors must work hard for them. In ancient times, athletes trained rigorously to prepare for competitions, ensuring their bodies were strong enough for the challenges ahead.

Paul wasn’t giving advice for athletes, but using these contests to illustrate what Christians must do. We’ll face temptations constantly, but they’re not meant to bring us down—they’re opportunities for us to grow stronger.

We need to accept that the harder our struggles, the greater the rewards and honor we can achieve. And no temptation will come our way that’s too much for us to handle—God will always help us overcome it.