Running the race

I want more in life than this world has to offer. I see the Olympians receive their medals and honor as most of the world watches in awe, and I know that there is something far better than that. Life is a race of it's own, but it's a marathon and not a sprint. It's not something that can be done in so many minutes flat, but it's something that takes time, patience, and endurance. The gold medalists receive a crown, but it won't last forever. I run this race of life for Christ. He is the finish line, Heaven is the ultimate goal, and instead of keeping my crowns for myself, I will happily cast them at the feet of Jesus, because if it wasn't for Him, I would be lost. In Him, I have eternal life. In the Bible, Paul talks so much about "running the race" and "fight the good fight." There's a battle between good and evil that rages on this world, and even though we can't always see it, it's going on as I write this. In the hearts and minds of all mankind, on desert plains, and in thick, humid jungles. I don't want to be satisfied by what the world has to offer, but rather I long to realize fully that Jesus truly is the only one who can satisfy my thirst. I need to know Him more. While the runners of a marathon have the finish line to look forward to, we have a different focus. 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."  --Hebrews 12:1-2--

So there is it. I have a race to run, and an end to look forward to. Jesus is the author and finisher of my faith, and I run for Him. My greatest desire is to hear, when I finish my race, those words "Well done, my good and faithful servant."