Running Hard… But in the Wrong Direction…The Race You Can’t Afford to Lose

Recently, my pastor preached a powerful message about the impact of distractions in our lives.

He started the message out with the story of Jesse McClain.  On March 1, 2026, during the 2026 U.S. Half Marathon Championships in Atlanta, Georgia, Jess McClain was leading the Atlanta Half Marathon and appeared on track to win when a lead vehicle guiding the race accidentally turned off the official course near the end. Because she was in first place, McClain followed the vehicle, assuming it was directing the correct route. After running off course for a short distance, she realized the mistake and had to turn around to get back on the proper path. By the time she returned to the course, other runners had passed her, and she ultimately finished far behind the lead, losing the race she had been winning.

When I reflected on Sunday’s message, my mind went back to the words the Apostle Paul wrote to the Galatians, “You were running superbly! Who cut in on you, deflecting you from the true course of obedience? This detour doesn’t come from the One who called you into the race in the first place. And please don’t toss this off as insignificant. It only takes a minute amount of yeast, you know, to permeate an entire loaf of bread.” (Galatians 5:7-9 – The Message Bible) The Message Bible best captures the heart of my thoughts.  ONE THING can cost you everything.  It is worth mentioning what a little yeast does to a loaf of bread here to increase our understanding.

The Apostle Paul also talks about “yeast”, again, when he is addressing the Corinthian church.  In Corinthians at 5:6, there were individuals who were proud and loved to brag. Boast.  Paul reminds them that this is not good.  It may not seem like a big deal, but it is the little things that destroy.  Little things that we allow to spread in our lives, like unaddressed sin, can affect everything.  Unforgiveness and offense will take you straight to hell. Why?  I could write an entire book on the topic and why it is so important to forgive.  Another blog.  The point here is that unaddressed sin impacts everything.  A little leaven (sin) spreads through the whole lump; even small distractions or misplaced priorities in our spiritual life can gradually pull us off course. If we are not careful, those small shifts can grow until they affect our entire walk with God and cause us to lose focus on the eternal prize.

Just as Jess McClain lost a race she was leading because she followed the wrong guide instead of the marked course, many people can lose the spiritual race of life by focusing on the wrong things. She had the strength, the ability, and the lead, but one moment of misplaced attention caused her to run in the wrong direction and cost her the victory. In the same way, when our priorities shift away from God and toward distractions, temporary pursuits, or the voices around us, we can drift off the path that leads to eternal life. Life’s spiritual race is not simply about running hard; it is about running in the right direction. If we allow distractions or misplaced priorities to guide us instead of the truth of God’s Word, we risk missing the ultimate prize: heaven.

Imagine Jess McClain, muscles burning and heart pounding, just moments from victory in the Atlanta Half Marathon. The crowd watched with excitement as she led the pack, every step carrying her closer to the finish line. Yet, in a sudden twist, Jess followed the lead vehicle off the marked course. Confusion swept over her face—was this really the right path? Onlookers gasped, some shouting, trying to alert her, but the mistake was made. When Jess realized what had happened, she felt the sting of disappointment and frustration. Turning back, she saw others surge ahead, and despite all her effort, the prize slipped away.

This scene isn’t just about running—it’s a vivid picture of our spiritual journey. Like Jess, we may have the strength, determination, and faith to press forward. But one moment of misplaced attention, following a guide that isn’t truly aligned with our purpose, can lead us off course. The consequences are real: joy fades, peace is replaced by confusion, and we fall behind in the race that matters most.

When our priorities drift from God toward distractions, temporary pursuits, or the loud voices around us, we risk losing sight of the ultimate goal—eternal life. Take a moment to consider: What guides are you following in your daily life? Are there distractions pulling you away from your true purpose? Reflect on the paths you’re choosing each day. Are you running toward what matters, or are you letting something else set your direction? If you’re feeling off course, pause—realign your focus with God’s Word, seek wisdom in prayer, and ask yourself what truly matters. Let Jess’s story inspire you to stay alert, choose your guides wisely, and run the spiritual race with intention and clarity. The victory isn’t just about speed—it’s about staying true to the path that leads to lasting reward.

Like many people today, I find myself busy with many moving parts in my life. There are competing interests, balancing responsibilities as a husband, wife, or parent. Moms, in particular, can feel pulled in multiple directions, especially when you add the demands of corporate America to the mix.

Just the other day, I was trying to prepare dinner while responding to work emails and helping my child with homework. I felt overwhelmed and stressed, unsure of which task to tackle first. It’s easy to lose sight of our priorities when so much is happening at once. Many of us feel this way—constantly juggling different roles and responsibilities, unsure where to focus our attention next.

If you’re feeling this sense of overwhelm, know that you’re not alone. Life’s demands can be daunting, but recognizing these distractions is the first step toward finding balance and regaining control. Let’s encourage each other to pause, refocus, and remember what truly matters.

Even people who are normally spiritually focused can find themselves in seasons where their discipline and focus begin to slip. The demands of life can slowly cause a shift. That early morning prayer time that once meant so much to you can shrink from forty minutes down to five—or even just two—as you whisper, “Lord, I’m sorry. I love you. I’ll pray longer tomorrow.” Then your eyes slowly close, and you drift into a deep sleep.

I love my devotional time—reading and studying the Word. I love to pray. Of course, the enemy will send distractions to try to knock me off course. Writing this blog is part of my commitment to trusting God more, putting my priorities back in order, and focusing on what truly matters.

Now is not the time to be distracted. Let’s first talk about the dangers of distractions.  In this Christian race, you cannot afford to get distracted.

The cost of distraction was just one race. She lost the U.S. national title, a $20,000 prize, and a qualifying spot for the World Running Championships.

But in the Christian race, there is no do-over.

Run well. Run with precision. Run with focus.