Heartbreak Hill

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Living for God is like a marathon. It requires you to be disciplined and wise in all things. An athlete knows that if they eat junk food, they will not perform as well in the race the following day. They learn to restrain their flesh and keep it under submission. Living for God is not a sprint. It is a long race. Not everyone is going to win the race. The Bible tells us that many will fall away and miss the prize. Many will not make it to Heaven. It takes discipline, desire, and determination to run the Christian race.

The Boston Marathon is one of the most competitive and elite marathons in the United States. Runners are challenged on a 26.2-mile course. What is interesting about this race is that the designers of this trail planned for the first 19 miles to be a slow downward hill. But after running along easily for 19 miles, runners suddenly come face to face with what is known as “Heartbreak Hill.” This is what separates the amateurs from the professionals. It is a proven fact that something happens to the body after 16 miles. The muscles begin to have a meltdown, the mind gets foggy, and your body starts to scream, “Stop!” When runners arrive at this hill, the real challenge begins. Runners fall out by the hundreds at Heartbreak Hill because if they are not prepared, they hit a wall, which breaks their spirit and causes them to give up.

In your Christian walk, you will either be a contestant or a contender. A contestant is a participant and may look the part with their fancy sneakers and running shorts, but a contender has disciplined themselves for the race. They know how to get over a “Heartbreak Hill.” 

A champion knows how to dig in and keep going even when their mind and body says to quit.

They have decided ahead of time that they will not give up under any circumstances. They know their source of strength is mighty, and they have learned to tap into that strength when weak. The winners are the ones who begin the race, knowing that they will finish it at all costs.

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