Run Like You Have Already Won
Run Like It's Already Won
Bible Verse: Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2
The final whistle blew at Lumen Field in Seattle during the World Cup, and 70,000 fans erupted.
The US Men's World Cup Soccer had just beaten Australia 2-0 — without their star Christian Pulisic, sidelined with a calf injury — Folarin Balogun pressing defenders into their own net, Alex Freeman finishing off the rebound. Group D winners. Knockout rounds secured on home soil.
But then something happened that mattered more than the scoreboard.
Moments after the final whistle, players gathered in a circle at center pitch, placed their arms around one another, and bowed their heads in prayer — as more than 70,000 fans celebrated around them. At the center of that circle was Mark McKenzie, a defender and one of the team's most outspoken believers. The whole world was watching.
Former pro soccer player-turned-pastor Jesse Bradley called it "inspiring our nation," saying, "When you see the team pray together, you see their heart."
That is the moment greater than any scoreline. Twenty-plus men on the world's biggest stage, arms locked, heads bowed, publicly acknowledging the One who made every opportunity possible. Jesus! That's Hebrews 12:1–2 breathing in real time.
Captain Christian Pulisic sits down for Bible study and posts scripture on Instagram. McKenzie reads his Bible on the physio table to open gospel conversations. Weston McKennie's Instagram bio reads simply: "All glory to God." These men aren't performing. They're pointing to the founder and perfecter of their faith, the One who ran the ultimate race, endured the cross for the joy set before Him, and is now seated at the right hand of God.
That joy is what powered Jesus through the cross — not willpower, not duty. The certain, unshakeable anticipation of bringing us home with Him. You run differently when you know what's waiting at the finish line.
Drop the weight. Fix your eyes on Jesus. The cloud of witnesses is already on its feet.
Prayer: Father, what a gift — to see men on the world's greatest stage unashamed to kneel. Give us that same courage. Help us run with endurance, eyes fixed not on the scoreboard but on Jesus, who ran His race all the way to the finish for us. In Jesus' name, Amen!
Published 06/27/2026
Testimonials
"I realized I was not seeing my children the way God sees them. Learning I was a beloved son of my Heavenly Father has changed my life and how I father my sons. I am incredibly grateful, Ed, for your ministry.”
BILL D.
Ed Tandy McGlasson gives a great message on being a father in his book The Difference A Father Makes, which God placed in my hands a few years back. It challenged me to be the father that Jesus has called me to be.
Steven A.
Thank you so much for your devotionals everyday. I love diving into them! Starting my mornings with the daily bread really empowers me through the rest of the day.
Joseph C.
Your coaching and ministry to my son and me has healed a 30-year wound. My dad never taught me how to be a father, and never blessed me in my life. My son and I, for the first time, have forgiven each other. It has been one of the most powerful things I have experienced in my life.
Dave H.
I thank you for the insight and the meeting tonight. I really feel some hope. I believe God put you in my life to give me the hope that I need and coach me to be able to work on my marriage and with my daughter.
David W.
Because of Jesus becoming the center of my life, I've had the best month in my entire life! I fully expect it to get better and better, sweeter and sweeter as I learn to lean into the Father's invitation to live under His smile. Thank you for your efforts in the fathering arena on behalf of all His beloved adopted sons and daughters.
Kevin F.
Thank you, my brother, for your daily devotional emails. Bless you as you continue to serve the Lord.
Yohannes M.
God used you not only to set me free from the hurt I had carried from my broken father, but I was able to forgive him and share the love of Jesus with my dad. My life will never be the same.
Dan M.
Thank you for the time spent together on Zoom. It pointed me towards hope and recovery. I look forward to benefit from the program, and I look forward to being an excellent dad to my family!
Dare A.
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