2Tim 2:5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
As Paul’s theme is endurance, he uses another example we can relate to, that of an athlete. A perfect picture is of marathon runners (athletes). They need structure, skillful preparation, vigorous training, patience, endurance etc. Despite challenges, they run to the finish line for a prize.
Heb 11 lists the faith heros’ without hiding their scars. They were no strangers to obstacles but still endured. Timothy would have to comply with the ministry’s “rules” which included the possibility of suffering followed by a promise of a great reward at the end if he ran well. 1Cor 9:24 “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it…”. It is not if you are first at the finish line, it is whether you finished. God crowns faithfulness not success. When the going gets tough, don’t take exits, don’t quit the race. You are far from where you started, you are too deep to go back to the harbor. Keep running with your eyes fixed on the finish line. Rom 13:11 “… for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed”.