Winning

Winning. I am not aware of anyone who doesn’t enjoy experiencing the joy of being the best. Whether cheering our favorite football team to victory, waiting for America’s next idol, or identifying the newest and greatest chef we all identify with the struggle to reach the top. There’s something about achieving a goal or watching someone else succeed that inspires us and causes us to continue to dream about finding fulfillment in our own pursuits.
Sustaining every winner and behind the scenes of every achievement, there are others. These are the people who spur us on. They encourage with words, actions, and support. They believe in our aptitude or gifting and help us along the way. They are our mentors, coaches, friends, and dare I say, cheerleaders.

Today, I achieved something I have never done before and never would have done without someone spurring me on. She pushed me. She encouraged me. She was patient, loving and helpful. She knows my goal and she wants to help me succeed. Today, she told me I might think rather unkind thoughts of her as she had me pursue the absolute, without question steepest hill for the biking segment of my upcoming triathlon. She knew what she was doing and I trusted her.

Midway in my attempt up this ascent, I felt sick. Actually, I thought I was going to vomit. I had to stop. I was humbled. My friend halted her climb and waited for me to catch up. Patiently talking me through it, I in my delirious state, tried to listen. After the waves of nausea receded, I continued. She was now way ahead, showing me the way, giving me focus, and finally, there to greet me at the top.

After completing the cycle training today I am tired, but I also feel good. I am stronger. I’ve learned some things for next time and I have a friend who helped me get there. I’ve given my friend permission to coach me and I accept and trust her guidance.

Sometimes in our own spiritual journeys, I wonder why we aren’t so willing to have that coach or mentor? Maybe they will get in our face and cause us to feel uncomfortable. But if we aren’t pressed, encouraged, or spurred on we stagnate. We all need to be pursued to reach a prize that is far greater than any achievement on this earth. Scripture encourages us to run to win. When we resent the input of others, is it because we don’t want to grow? An admission of need in strength training is humbling (but it is in fact an admission which allows the opportunity for excellence).

I have deep respect for my friend. She has overcome obstacles of weight and health that cause me to willingly surrender to her tutelage. She has proven herself. As I submit to her experience I in turn am learning to overcome my own challenges. So today I am wondering; how many of us have a spiritual coach? What is the total of those who have given someone permission to push them to greater heights, strength and maturity? I’m thinking not that many.

Winning will look different for each of us. We are individuals with vastly varied races. Achievement is your best, your pursuit, your prize; no one else can attain what is yours and no one else can compete. But all of us are called to win in Christ!

As I am pushed physically, I am also learning and striving spiritually. I’ve placed myself under some godly hands to guide and direct my journey. Just like my friend who exhibits all the signs of a great coach (I highly recommend her for cycling), I have given others entrance to my life spiritually to do the same.

• 1 Corinthians 9:24
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.
• Philippians 3:14
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
• Colossians 2:18a
Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize. . .
• 2 Timothy 2:5
Also if anyone competes as an athlete, she does not win the prize unless she competes according to the rules. (the rules are to follow Christ)