The 34^th Summer Olympic Games will be held in Los Angeles, California, in July 2028. For two weeks, the eyes of the world will be focused on the athletes who gather to compete for an Olympic medal. What the eyes of the world are not focused on at present is the athletes’ preparation and training—the behind-the-scenes work that is necessary to allow them to succeed in their event.

The modern Olympics have their roots in the games held in ancient Greece. Athletic competition was known in the Mediterranean world of the first century A.D. Thus, the apostle Paul could use the metaphor of a “race” in describing the Christian life (Acts 20:24; 1 Corinthians 9:24). And like athletes, the hard work of the Christian life is done behind the scenes—the disciplines of prayer, Bible study, service, and spiritual obedience. Running the race requires endurance and laying aside the sin “which so easily ensnares us” (Hebrews 12:1).

Just as athletes begin every day with the finish line in mind, cultivate that same perspective in your daily walk. Keep the faith! Finish the race!

Yesterday’s hits won’t win today’s game.
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