Introduction

1 Corinthians 9:24-25
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 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."

I have run multiple marathons and half marathons, competed in track and cross country since I was small so something about this verse resonated with me. After I had run two marathons I joined a running club and made a commitment to my training to do whatever I could to qualify for the Boston Marathon. To achieve this I had to take almost a full hour off of my time. And I did it! I went into strict training where I watched my diet and took off excess pounds, I ramped up my mileage, I read books on my mental state and pacing so that I was at my very best on race day.

I qualified, and then I ran the Boston Marathon which was a very cool experience and something that I am very proud of.

As I read this verse I know what he is talking about about where he says the competitors going into strict training. And I know the difference between training just to finish and training "to get a crown". As I look at my relationship with Jesus and how much I strive to know him better I think that I have been training just to finish - enough to get me by. This blog is my public commitment to begin training for a crown that lasts.

I'm not sure what this will mean. I'm going to start with more time in scripture and prayer and then see how the Lord guides me. I am using a website called youvision.com which has a plan for reading the entire Bible in a year. Thanks for joining me on this journey!