What it Takes to Win

(Dr. David Jeremiah provided these insights:)

But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:27)

The documentary film Road to Paris provides a behind-the-scenes look at the grueling training undertaken by seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong. High in the mountains of France, on a freezing cold, rainy day, Armstrong pedals his bicycle alone, mile after mile. His team director, following him in a car, says, "This is what it takes to win the Tour de France - training in this weather. Nobody sees this."

For all great athletes, the grind precedes the glory. The spectators only see them cross the finish line; they never see them behind the scenes putting first things first. First comes the discipline and exercise, then comes the victory. The same is true in the Christian life. Behind the scenes come the spiritual disciplines: prayer, Bible study, a disciplined life, and focused priorities. Then come the spiritual victories made possible by spiritual disciplines. If you long for more victory, take stock of your life behind the scenes.

You can't get second things by putting them first; you can get second things only by putting first things first. (C. S. Lewis)