My light and hope (devo reflection)

1 Cor 9:24 Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!
One of the things I love about running is that I am competing against myself. I try to be a little faster, a little better with each race. Yes, there is one overall winner, but there are also category winners (for each gender and age category), and, ultimately, if I improve from one race to the next, I definitely consider it a win. I think there are lessons in this attitude for my faith “race” as well.
Phil 3:14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Some runs, some races, are just bad. Sometimes my legs feel leaden, my breathing is labored, my celebration is in finishing the run and nothing else. Some days are like that, too. I get to the end and am just thankful I survived, I did it, and I can try again tomorrow. God is good like that. He wants me to keep pressing on toward Him. 
2 Tim 1:9 For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was His plan from before the beginning of time—to show us His grace through Christ Jesus.
Lord, Thank You for this day and for Your saving grace, mercy, and love. Thank You for those days where I feel like my light is on point, like all those who see me can’t help but see You through me. And thank You for those days where just surviving is a victory. Help me to remember that it is always You holding me together. You are my light and my hope. Draw me closer. Amen.
Heb 12:2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith….
Have a blessed day.