The apostle Paul compared the life of a Christian to a race run by a trained athlete competing for a prize: "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? . . . They do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown" (1 Corinthians 9:24-25).

The race we run as Christians can be quite challenging.

Christian men and women stumble and fall, but get back up and keep going. We are to be victorious over illness, financial setbacks, emotional crises and other setbacks. Where do we get the strength to keep running when things seem hopeless?

We can only reach the finish line in our Christian race with Jesus' help! Looking to our Lord and master in times of crisis to gain strength and endurance is one of the most important lessons as we run our race. Paul wrote: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).

A glorious gift is waiting for us at the finish line of our race. The apostle James wrote: "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him" (James 1:13). The imperishable crown that we will receive is the crown of eternal life!

A promise is made to those who finish the race. They will be transformed to spirit when Jesus returns to the earth.

Paul describes this wonderful transformation: "Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed – in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality . . . then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory" (1 Corinthians 15:50-54).

The finish line in our Christian lies ahead of us. Let’s remember Paul's exhortation: "Run in such a way that you may obtain it [the imperishable crown]!"

With these thoughts I wish everyone a rewarding Sabbath!