Few people have had to endure more relentless opposition and criticism than did the apostle Paul. Having suffered numerous beatings, imprisonments, and even shipwreck, it would have been easy to lose his focus or to grow discouraged. Yet the aged apostle had refused to allow anything or anyone to move him off course.
Paul understood that the Christian life is not a sprint, but a marathon. Anyone can live the Christian life in brief spurts. But it takes perseverance and faith to live victoriously day after day.
What had kept Paul relentlessly moving forward in his faith? He had never lost sight of the prize. Paul knew God was infinitely just and gracious. No act of faith would be overlooked in heaven. No sacrifice would go unrewarded, if not in this life, then certainly in the life to come. Paul never placed undue value on his current existence. He knew full well that it would end soon enough. He did not want to grasp his life on earth so tightly that he missed the kingly reward awaiting him in the next.
There is a crown of righteousness prepared for every believer. When we finally come face to face with our eternal King, we will be overwhelmed at the majesty and splendor of that moment. Then everything in our life will come fully into perspective. So run well in this life. Keep your eye on the prize, and one day, great will be your reward.