1 Corinthians 9:24-25

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

Every year an elementary school holds races for every grade. Two boys in the fourth grade have been waiting for this day since the school year began. Each wants more than anything to win and, when the whistle is blown, each runs as hard as he can toward the finish line. Who won? One judge says it was the first boy while another judge says it was the second. The boys look at each other in astonishment. Did we really tie?

It’s generally known in sports that anything is better than a tie. Even though statistically a tie is better than a loss, when you’re a player or a coach, it makes you wonder how much more work would have gotten you the win. It leaves you dissatisfied.

Heaven is a tie we can be satisfied with. Everyone racing for the prize of heaven will be happy to discover that it is a prize to be shared. In heaven there’s no question about who won because—thanks to Christ—we all did.

GOD’S PROMISE TO ME:

• There is a place waiting for you in heaven.

• As long as heaven is your goal, you will always win.

MY PRAYER TO GOD:

Father, thank you for giving me eternal life in your kingdom. Help me run to win so that I may reach the goal of eternity in heaven. Amen.