PRACTICING YOUR FAITH

Professional athletes practice their crafts for many hours each day. They wake up before the sun rises and often put in hours of training before attending school. When most people are sleeping, gymnasts and skaters are at the rink and gym flipping, tumbling, twirling and flying through the air repetitively. They know that in order to make it to the Olympics and win medals, they must work harder than their competition to nail their routines with precision. They understand that practice leads to ultimate championships and victory.

The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 15:57 "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 8:37 says, "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."

God has promised through His Word that we can be victorious in every area of our lives, but we must practice our faith and apply Holy Scripture daily. If we want victory in our relationships, the Bible commands us to love. If we want victory over sin, the Bible directs us to repent and receive God's forgiveness. If we want victory over sickness, the Bible teaches us to pray.

We will receive the crown of righteousness that God has promised only after we have fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith. Life is not a sprint, but a marathon, not only an eternal destination but a journey. We must daily practice our faith if we are to please God. Be like the athlete and put the time in to pursue a deeper relationship with God. Rise early and pray. Seek God's face. Practice hearing God's voice in order to know God's will.

Practicing your faith requires commitment, consistency and courage. There are so many distractions that rob us of the time we should be spending with God: work, sports, volunteering, recreation. Be purposeful. Pursue God first.