Jesus said to them, "Come with me, and I will teach to you catch men." At once they left their nets and went with him.

Mark 1:17-18

Surely you know that many runners take part in a race, but only one of them wins the prize. Run, then, in such a way as to win the prize. Every athlete in training submits to strict discipline, in order to be crowned with a wreath that will not last; but we do it for one that will last forever. That is why I run straight for the finish line; that is why I am like a boxer who does not waste his punches. I harden my body with blows and bring it under complete control, to keep myself from being disqualified after having called others to the contest.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Paul saw himself as being like an Olympic athlete who is competing for a gold medal, straining every muscle in his body to get to the finish line. Victory is possible for every Christian. So let’s run as though we want to win.

We will not always get someone to come to Christ with our first try, but the first success is one that we will remember, for the rest of our lives.

Winners never quit, and quitters never win.

Our Daily Bread – March 17-18, 2002