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God has given us all our own race to run. We are instructed the race that is set before us. In all of our races, there will be obstacles and set-backs. I think this passage of Scripture has been one of the most misused. Early in my Christian walk, I was taught and believed this verse told me I could go out and do anything I wanted to do because I was doing it in the strength of Christ. I was told I could have the very best of everything because I was a Christian. But these words were written through a man who spent most of his ministry in prison. Quiet often, Paul was dealt the worst life had to offer in the natural. It was his race to run. One translation of Verse 13 says, "I can do the whole thing through Christ who strengthens me." There are things I know God has called me to do that seem too hard or uncomfortable to me. That's why this passage is so powerful to me. Christ gives me the strength to do the whole thing He has called me to do.