Devotion 3: Running the Race of Faith
Scripture Reading: Galatians 5:7-10 (ESV)
“You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is.”
Reflection:
Paul compares the Christian life to a race, and the Galatians were running well until false teachers tripped them up with legalism. Like a runner cut off in a race, they were veering off course, chasing a false gospel. A little leaven—false teaching—can spread and corrupt everything, just like yeast in dough. In our lives, we can start strong, trusting Christ alone, but subtle influences (pride, self-reliance, or worldly ideas) can hinder us. Paul’s confidence isn’t in the Galatians’ ability to get back on track but in the Lord’s power to guide them. Today, let’s check our course. Are we running the race of faith, trusting Jesus alone, or have we let “a little leaven” creep in? God calls us to keep our eyes on Christ, the author and finisher of our faith, and to run unhindered by anything that denies His grace.
Application:
Identify one influence in your life that might be pulling you away from simple faith in Christ (e.g., a cultural expectation, a legalistic mindset, or a distracting habit). Pray for discernment to reject it and focus on Jesus. Share this struggle with a trusted Christian friend for accountability.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for calling me to run the race of faith. Show me where I’ve been hindered by false ideas or self-reliance. By Your Spirit, keep me on the path of trusting Jesus alone. Let my life be a testimony to Your grace and truth. Amen.