Harris Temple Outreach Ministry

Pastor, Supt. W. K. Ellison

February, 2008

“Fight to Win”

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air. (1Corinthians 9:24; 26)

Life is styled as a race. Many obstacles will come against us and get in our path to stop us. Therefore we must fight with all our might to obtain the prize. We can’t fight as one that beateth the air, but we must have a fixed purpose in mind, exerting all our strength and pressing with intense concentration in order not to fall short of the goal.

Paul stresses in verse 27 the importance of self-discipline and self control. But I keep under my body, and bring it into subject… In a natural race the runner must keep his or her body in subjection. The rules are given and in order to stay in the race the rules must be obeyed. It’s not easy to follow the rules all the time. It takes making sacrifices, getting plenty of rest, eating the right foods, and getting the proper exercise.

It works the same way in this Christian race. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. The things that hold us back and keep us from running at the right pace, we must lay them aside. This race is the lifelong test of faith. Therefore it must be run with patience, perseverance and endurance. The way of victory is the same as that of the saints gone before, pressing on to the finish line. The race must be run by laying aside the sins that impede or slow us down, and by looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. The runner must not look to other contestants, but must ever keep his or her eyes on Jesus.

I must admit it was very hard visualizing my mother running in a race. But she told us one day she was running in a race and was ahead of the other runners. She heard someone getting close to her and she began to look back. Taking her eyes off the finish line, when she finally look forward she was so far off course until she lost the race. She began to tell us no matter what you hear or what comes to distract you, keep your eyes on the crown.

Paul knew in order to fight to win there were some things he had to let go. His words were -“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.” One thing we must understand life continues to move on. Either we move forward or we fall backward. Time waits on no man.

He further states: I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Nothing worth having comes easy. Every thing big starts with something small, if you feel you are in a rut--start doing something new. Do not worry about the goal; just take steps that take you past the starting point. Most people do not succeed because they are too afraid to even try. They do not begin because of that old fear of failing.

It wasn’t easy for me to go back and take college courses to get my Bachelor Degree at age 75 yrs. It was a great challenge, even getting in college was very hard, but I was determined. I had to fight to win, but with God all things are possible. My motivation had to be stronger than the challenges I faced. I knew God was calling me to a higher calling and I had to try and prepare myself in every area of my life. Where God guides, He provides.

The first thing we must do is acknowledge God in all our ways and He will direct our path. Second: we must visualize our success. See ourselves doing what we want to do. See ourselves being what we want to become. Keep in mind: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Most time we are our own worst enemy, when we allow fear to take over our lives. Fear of rejection, fear of failure, fear of stepping out our comfort zone, and fear of change, these are enemies of the soul, and hinder us from living out our full potential. In order to take charge of your life, you must deliberately take risks, believing God is there to help you.

Something to remember: you will not perfect what you under take the first time. You probably will fail. “If at first you don’t succeed, try, and try again.” It takes hard work, dedication, and commitment, to achieve. The main thing is “Don’t give up!” You will face much opposition, but fight to win. The way to win is not look at what comes against you, but keep your eyes on the crown.

When it is time, confront all your worries and fears head on! Once you have thought about the worst that can happen, then you decide, ‘That not so bad, I can handle that.” You will feel better. Your anxiety levels will decrease.

When you get your concerns under control, take faith risks. Go after your dream—make a plan for achieving your goal; stick to it! Realize there will be some challenging moments, but you will discover, you can handle it. Have confidence in your abilities and “fight to win.”

Since February is known as the month we express our love to those that’s very special to us—I thought I would talk about relationships. Building relations is an endeavor that requires attention. In order for any type of relationship to flourish, it must be cultivated.

Rule (#1)-Never take the other person for granted. We must express our appreciation constantly. Always show respect and allow them to express their opinion even when you don’t agree.

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32) As in any other endeavor in life, many obstacles will come against our relationships. It’s Satan job to bring division, therefore we must fight to win. These are very good weapons: love, kindness, having a tender heart, and forgiveness. No matter what comes or goes, when it comes to keeping a relationship strong; you must “fight to win.”

I hope after reading this News Letter, you will not let anything stop you from being a winner.