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 finishing 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… —1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (GNB)
As a Christian, do you know there is no limit to what you can achieve if you set your heart to it? In Christ Jesus, anything is possible because all things have been made available to us (Ephesians 1:3). However, to achieve or become anything, self-discipline is the key ingredient. If you have a dream but fold your hands, thinking it will fulfill itself, it will never work out. You must make consistent efforts through discipline to see your dreams come to pass.
You might ask, “But sir, in which areas do I need to discipline myself to see my dreams come true?” The first area is your prayer life. Without a disciplined prayer life, you will face many difficulties. The devil will stop at nothing to frustrate your pursuits, often by stirring up situations to cause setbacks. But if you are disciplined in prayer, you will prevail over him no matter what he does. Therefore, you must discipline yourself to pray consistently.
Another area where discipline is essential is your goals and plans. Many people are unstable in their dreams. One minute they want to pursue one thing, and the next, something else. Unable to focus, they try to do whatever others are doing and end up achieving nothing. You, however, must be different. Be disciplined and focused on your goals, no matter what happens, as this focus is crucial for long-term achievement.
If you start by mastering discipline in these two areas—prayer and purpose—other areas will fall into place. Therefore, I urge you to be like the Apostle Paul, who said, “I harden my body with blows and bring it under complete control…” (1 Corinthians 9:27, GNB). No wonder he achieved such extraordinary results. Praise God!
Today’s Rhema
Discipline will keep you consistent and constant in your results!
Confession for the Day
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for teaching me about discipline and giving me the grace to walk in it. I declare that in all that I do, I bring my body under subjection, and by the power of the Holy Ghost, I prevail in all things in the name of Jesus. Amen!
