SAFE GRACE FOR THE RACE

Be strong in the grace of Christ Jesus

STRUGGLE TO WIN WITH GOD'S GRACE

All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. - I Corinthians 9:25

You have everything needed to be a winning athlete in the race God has set out for you. God has given you His grace for your race. So run with purpose, because you have already won. Struggle righteously with God's Mercy and Grace...

Ringe rect wenn Gottes Gnade

- Johann Heinrich Winkler. 1703

Translated by Catherine Winkworth, 1855

Strive when thou art called of God,

When He draws thee by his grace,

Strive to cast away the load

That would clog thee in the race!

Fight, though it may cost thy life;

Storm the kingdom, but prevail;

Let not Satan's fiercest strife

Make thee, warrior, faint or quail.

Wrestle, till through every vein

Love and strength are glowing warm,

Love that can the world disdain,

Half-love will not abide the storm.

Wrestle with strong prayers and cries,

Think no time too much to spend,

Though the night be passed in sighs.

Though all day thy voice ascend.

Hast thou won the pearl of price,

Think not thou hast reached the goal,

Conquered every sin and vice

That had power to harm thy soul.

Gaze with mingled joy and fear,

On the refuge thou hast found;

Know, while yet we linger here

Perils ever hem us round.

Art thou faithful? then oppose

Sin and wrong with all thy might;

Care not how the tempest blows,

Only care to win the fight.

Art thou faithful? Wake and watch,

Love with all thy heart Christ's ways,

Seek not transient ease to snatch,

Look not for reward or praise.

Art thou faithful? Stand apart

From all all worldly hope and pleasure,

Yonder fix thy hopes and heart,

On the heaven where lies our treasure.

Soldiers of the Cross, be strong,

Watch and war 'mid fear and pain,

Daily conquering woe and wrong,

Till our King o'er earth shall reign!