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. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NIV)
The perseverance of the saints through the power of the Holy Spirit is the call for every believer in Jesus. Like an athlete striving for supremacy in his field, following hard after Christ requires our personal discipline, zeal, denial of self, and an eye fixed on the prize. Paul tells us to run in such a way as to get the prize. He himself willingly gave up certain privileges that he might have otherwise enjoyed so that he would not be disqualified for this treasure. Guided by God’s Word and not by one’s own fancy and empowered by the Spirit we can do all things we were called to do through Him who gives us strength. Leaping over all obstacles - as fire passes from house to house - rather than fleeing from them. A sluggard will say ‘There is a lion in the way” but a David will go out and meet it. The Holy Spirit helps our infirmities but He does not encourage idleness. He looks for wholehearted devotion and a willing mind.
In due time there shall be heard a “loud voice from heaven” to every believer saying “Come up here” – we are not called down to the grave but up to the skies and we don’t want to come empty handed with nothing to give our King.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)