'Running the Right Race'

To plow a straight furrow, a farmer fixes their eyes ahead. To stay in your lane on the highway, you don’t watch the lines on either side—you look toward the horizon.

In one episode of the sitcom Frasier, Frasier decides to prove he's athletic by learning to ride a bike. Confident but wobbly, he focuses hard on avoiding a nearby trash can. Naturally, he crashes right into it. He gets back on his bike and tries again only to circle around and run into the same trash can. Why? Because what we focus on shapes where we go. The same is true for us—when we fixate on fears, insecurities, or distractions, we steer right into them. In the end, Frasier threw his bike into a trash can. 

But when we fix our eyes on Jesus, our steps align with His. I remember being a kid on the swim team, always chasing the bubbles of my older brother ahead of me. He was older, bigger, and faster. I couldn’t beat him, but if I kept up with him, I knew I was doing my best. In the same way, keeping our eyes on Jesus means we’re following the one who shows us how to run well. Following Jesus makes us better people who increasingly look like Jesus. 

Peter got this—at least for a moment. In Matthew 14, he walks on water toward Jesus. As long as he keeps his eyes on Christ, he stays afloat. But when the wind and waves distract him, he begins to sink. Even then, Jesus reaches out and lifts him up. He redirects Peter’s vision—back to Himself. And guess what? Peter walked on water again, this time looking at Jesus.

Fixing our eyes on Jesus doesn’t just keep us on track; it changes how we run. We follow the one who ran His race with obedience, endurance, and sacrificial love—all the way to the cross. He’s not only our Savior—He’s our example. Chase after Jesus and the Holy Spirit will empower your race.

Prayer: Lord, help me keep my eyes on You. When the distractions come and fear creeps in, fix my gaze on Your grace. Lead me to run with perseverance and purpose. Amen.

Blessings,

Jonathan Beck