Finish the Race Well
In the Bible, the Christian life is often referred to as a race. Hebrews 12:1 says,“let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” This scripture is not referring to an actual race with athletes, a track and a finish line. It is referring to our Christian faith. From the moment we receive Jesus until our last breath, we are running a race. And as difficult as life can become at times, we must focus on finishing the race well.
How do we finish the race well?
The race that has been set before us is full of wonders, miracles, grace and adventure, but at times, it can feel quite the opposite. The good news is that the longer we run, the more we become like the One who called us to the race. Now, this race is not about perfection or speed. It’s about investment. Just like a marathon, the race of life and faith requires endurance and perseverance. It is a process that uses the joy and the pain you’ve experienced to create the character, endurance and perseverance you need to withstand the testing. The more you invest in yourself spiritually, the more endurance and strength you will have for the race set before you. This is a key to finishing well.
Where do your investments lie?
Is there something in your life that is preventing you from finishing the race that God has called you to run? Is it emotional baggage, re-occurring sin, or a bad attitude? There are many things in life that can prevent you from finishing the race. Hebrews 12:1 also tells us to, “…strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.” God knows that our struggles will weigh us down. In order for us to finish the race set before us, we must put aside anything that will hinder our ability to run. What extra weight are you carrying around with you? Will you lay it at Jesus’ feet?
Don’t quit running…
Because of unexplainable stress and pressure, Jesus had many opportunities to take a shortcut and avoid the cross, but He knew that God asked Him to finish the race. As your race progresses, the effects on the body, mind, and spirit will take their toll, but don’t choose the short cut. Don’t quit running, even if you feel like you’ve made too many mistakes. There are countless people that have started the race well, but circumstances, pressure or sin caused them to quit. Let me encourage you to focus on the finish line. In order to discover the wonders, miracles, grace, and adventures God has for you, you must continue to run. When you push past the discomfort and pain, you will discover strengths you didn’t know you had.
God is for you and wants to cheer you across the finish line…just don’t quit running.
Scripture:
2 Timothy 4:7: …I have finished the race, I have kept the faith…
2 Samuel 18:3: …Come what may, I want to run…
Hebrews 12:1: …throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles…
James 1:12: Blessed is the one who perseveres…that person will receive the crown of life…
Matthew 24:13: …but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved…
Hebrews 12:1: …run with perseverance the race marked out for us…