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Key Bible Verse: You also must run in such a way that you will win. … So I run … with purpose in every step (1 Corinthians 9:24, 26).Bonus Reading: 1 Cor. 9:24-27

I staggered into Coach Timmon's office at Wichita East well before the start of the school day. He was already at his desk. "Coach," I said, "I'm not sure how many mornings I can run in this weather. The milkman is telling me it's so cold I could freeze my lungs!" I was tired of training harder than I'd ever imagined in pursuit of the four-minute mile.

Timmie nodded. "Jim, I didn't say it would be easy, and I can't make you. You have to decide what you want. But I've never seen a young man with such talent."

That's when I realized that the four-minute mile was something I wanted and was willing to passionately pursue. Next morning I was out the door, logging a five-mile run through Wichita's dark, snowy streets. As I persevered, the training took hold. It was no overnight transformation; but heading into the 1964 track season, toughened by the hard solo morning runs, I stepped to the starting lines of races with confidence.

We all yearn for spiritual growth, but we want the quick fix. Just as I had to keep training in icy weather, we have to discipline ourselves spiritually, putting one foot in front of the other to move toward the upward calling of Christ Jesus.

—Jim Ryun in The Courage to Run

My Response: Do I chew on the Bonus Readings? How else can I get past the quick fix?

Thought to Apply: Once you get a taste of where you want to go, motivation takes care of itself.—CHUCK DALY (basketball coach)

Adapted from The Courage to Run (Regal, 2006) by permission.

Copyright © 2007 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Don't let me plateau in my spiritual development, Lord. Keep me growing and make me fruitful.

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