The Upper Room Devotional 8 July 2026, Wednesday Message
Run to Win
Wayne Greenawalt (Wisconsin, USA)
Today’s Reading
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
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 (NIV)
“One kilometer to go,” shouted the timekeeper as I crossed the mark in a 5-kilometer run. I was tiring, but I kept my eyes on the finish line and my mind focused on winning the prize. I was running for the reward that comes with being first to cross the finish line. I had trained months for this day.
Early on, others passed by me, but I had kept to my own pace. Thoughts of quitting entered my mind as I tackled the hills. The last hundred yards were the hardest. My breathing was heavy and my legs ached. But the cheers of people along the roadside spurred me on. I finished strong and won first prize.
Paul likens the Christian life to a race. We are to run the course set before us with purpose and perseverance. In order to run with vigor, we must practice the spiritual disciplines of prayer, worship, and Bible study. We will all give account to Christ and be rewarded for how we have lived. When I stand before Christ, I want to receive his commendation and receive the rewards for a life of faith and obedience.
Thought for the Day
I will persevere in the course Christ has set for me.
Prayer Focus
Runners
The Upper Room Devotional 8 July 2026 is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More