Run the Race of Life

So then, in the arena of life we are surrounded by a vast crowd of spectators. We must therefore, as an athlete strip for action, strip off every encumbrance and the sin which clings to us, and we must run with gallant determination the race which stretches in front of us. And all the time we must concentrate on nothing but Jesus, in whom our faith had its beginning and must have its end, for he, for the joy that lay ahead of him, courageously accepted the cross, with never a thought for the shame, and has now taken his seat at the right hand of God. The way to avoid the failure of your nerve and heart is to compare your situation with the situation of him who met the opposition of sinners with such constancy and courage.

In your struggle with sin you have not yet had to resist to the point of having to die for your faith. Have you forgotten that challenging passage of scripture, which speaks to you as sons?

"My son, always remember the value of the discipline which comes to you from the Lord, and never be depressed and discouraged, when he corrects you. The Lord disciplines the man he loves, and punishes every son whom he accepts into his family."

Hebrews 12:1-7, William Barclay Translation

You must accept it as discipline. God is treating you as sons.