Christians are called to run a different kind of race—not for personal glory, but for the glory of God. Dr. Michael Youssef reminds believers that spiritual victory requires discipline, self-control, perseverance, and a renewed focus on Christ’s eternal reward.
Many people today are racing after careers, success, possessions, status, or even the achievements of their children. But in today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reminds believers that Christians are running a far greater race—one that is not about personal glory, but about God’s glory and the advance of the Gospel.
The apostle Paul understood this race well. He was willing to go any distance, endure any hardship, and sacrifice personal comfort in order to win people to Christ. Paul knew that in the end, what matters most is what we have done for the Lord.
Unlike worldly races, the Christian race is not a competition against other believers. We run against obstacles, temptations, spiritual opposition, and the enemy of our souls. God does not desire only one of His children to win—He wants every believer to run faithfully and receive the imperishable crown.
Dr. Youssef explains that running well requires self-control and spiritual discipline. Like an athlete who trains his body through sacrifice, believers must discipline their desires, choices, habits, and priorities. If you feel weary, defeated, or disqualified, do not believe the enemy’s lie. You can get back into the race. God wants you to be victorious in His Son.
Prayer: Jesus, give me the strength, will, and focus to run after You. I know You are the one who sustains me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“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” (1 Corinthians 9:24).
Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon Healthy Living in a Sick World, Stewardship Is Gospel Justice: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW