Many athletes face fear. They worry about not being good enough or preparing well enough. There is fear of letting others down or looking like a fool in the race. Also, training is hard work. It takes time, and it is physically and mentally demanding. Laziness will take over if an athlete gives in. And of course, there are countless distractions that beg to lead an athlete away from his training and from his goal.


The athlete in training is a perfect metaphor for the Christian life. In our “training” to be disciples for Christ, we too face fears. We too are tested and are tempted to give up. The pleasures of this world which we so enjoy can lead us gradually away from the purpose of our training.


But in our daily struggle against sin, we have a Savior. We’re told to keep our eyes fixed on Him and to remember all that He endured for us. As hard as our training and our race may seem, we have not been brought to the point of shedding blood. Do not grow weary, for Jesus shed His precious blood just for you!