Not to be outdone by Underarmour, Nike has put out another slick slogan of their own: “#Makeitcount.”  In this commercial, personal sayings are coupled with those who are training and are committed to fulfilling several “I Will” statements including the wonderful catch-phrase, “Give Up Giving Up.”  I love it.  If we are to be the triumphant, more than conquerors we are called to be, we must stop giving up.  Getting back up is ok, but committing to “give up giving up” is even better.

We need to be strong and stay strong. How? By spiritual training.  We must “work out our salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12b).  The Message Bible says “ . . . keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God.”  

So give up giving up.  Be strong in the Lord. Ask God to be the strength of your life. Ask Him to renew your strength.  Ask Him to be your strong tower, your bread when you’re hungry, your water when you’re thirsty, your shelter in the time of storm.

And then say these affirmations with me:

In 2013 I will . . .

Stay on top of my game

Train 1 hour each day (spiritually)

Outrun 2012

Set a new pace

Smash a 5K

Do it for my team

Earn a starting place

Bring my best and better it

Go further, farther, faster fiercer, harder, heavier, higher, bigger, bolder, braver, longer, stronger. 

And make my life count.