No Pain, No Gain - All Our Daily Bread Daily Devotionals for 2025

Bible in a Year : 2 Chronicles 17-18, John 13:1-20

I do not run like someone running aimlessly.
1 Corinthians 9:26

Today's Scripture & Insight : 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Andy Murray was described as “a gangly boy” when playing his first professional tennis match in Wimbledon’s Grand Slam. Having yielded to strict training, however, he later called his body a “machine”, the result of a strategic diet, exhausting gym workouts, sprint and hurdles training, hours on court—and ice baths! Years of self-discipline transformed his scrawny body into a powerhouse as he pursued his dream of becoming a world-class champion.

Without disciplined daily habits, the full flourishing of Andy’s gift would have been impossible; a principle that relates to our spiritual life too.

Paul’s analogies of “strict training” (1 Corinthians 9:25) and striking “a blow to my body” (v. 27) could be misinterpreted as austere abstinence or self-flagellation. But rather, Paul was making a poignant comparison. Top athletes were willing to undergo strict physical training to win a short-lived perishable “crown”, i.e. a pine wreath (v. 25). How much greater is our motivation to pursue God’s ways and purposes. Paul wasn’t suggesting that his salvation would be “disqualified” (v. 27) if he fell short, but he wanted to give his very best to fulfil all he could for God’s kingdom.

The temptations, distractions and goals of our natural life can temper our experience of the vibrant, dynamic life of God’s indwelling Spirit. But as we devote ourselves wholeheartedly to God’s ways, His life will grow and flourish within us, and reveal His truth to others too.

By: Anne Le Tissier

Reflect & Pray
Which blessings and promises of God’s eternal life encourage and inspire you? How might you depend on Him for what you face today?

Loving God, Your life is the very best thing I can pursue. Thank You for Your blessings that inspire me to persevere and resist temptation.