Spiritual PracticesSample

Keep Practicing

Life is like a marathon. There are many runners, but only a few are running the race with purpose. 

You have what it takes to live with purpose, so run in such a way as to get the prize (1 Corinthians 9:24). The prize at the end of this race is better than any medal. The prize we’re after is to know Christ, to be with Him and to become more like Him.  

To finish this race well will take practice. Practice might not seem fun at the moment, but it is purposeful. 

When you run sprints at football practice, you are building endurance so you can outlast in a close game. When you review flashcards, you are recalling what you’ve learned so you can ace the test. When you practice free throws, you are preparing for that moment when the game is on the line.  

1 Corinthians 9:25 reminds us that, “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.” 

Forever with Jesus in His kingdom — that’s our prize, and it’s what we’re training for. 

So take what you learned this week and keep going. Keep reading your Bible and writing down your thoughts. Keep praying and fasting. Make time to rest and time to remember what Jesus did for you on the cross. Confess and repent. Worship and praise. 

The things you learned here don’t have to end here. Take these spiritual disciplines and put them to practice. You won’t regret it. 

Reflection Questions:

• Which practices challenged you, and why?
• What did you learn about God and yourself through these practices? 
• Who can you invite to join you as you train? Pick a spiritual practice you discovered in this study, and ask someone to do it with you.