All throughout his letters, the Apostle Paul compares the journey with a Christ like a race. He speaks of the prize, the crown of life, that is for those who run with endurance what is put before them. If walking with Jesus is a race, what is, then, the goal we should seek? Consider, if you will, the Apostle Peter, when he was called out to meet Jesus on the water. Peter's goal was to reach Jesus under impossible, and, indeed, miraculous circumstances, but he got distracted by the wind and the waves, and so sank. In many respects, our journey in life is no different. The author of Eccelesiastes repeats this phrase over and again when discussing any pursuits apart from seeking God: everything is hevel, 0r grasping at smoke, chasing vapor. Seeking pleasures, seeking to excel in sports, or in labor, or in acquiring for one's self is a grasping at vapor; even should we achieve our ends, we are, in the end, unable to enjoy it long, and must lose it as we depart this life. All too often, I see our hearts reflected in Ecclesiastes: we seek after wealth, or stuff, or love, or labor, or health, but none of these can save us. So what hope do we have? Paul's letter to the Philippians seeks to turn our gaze to what matters: I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:12-13)
We can find true peace, true contentment, and everything we need through Christ who strengthens us. We win the race before us by submitting to Him in everything and anything. We find only lasting contentment, joy and peace in Jesus. If Christ is all you have, you're winning your race. Matthew 6:31-34
Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
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