Word of the week: Finish

The finish line is the most important part of the race.  This morning a man told me the story of how as a boy he was in a race at a special event.  He won the event, hands down.  Except, he didn’t finish properly.  He came up on the finish line, and didn’t know he was supposed to break through the string.  He stopped right there, and another child raced on through the string for first prize.  Finishing well matters!

Yesterday I went to a funeral of a man I’ve known at some level for all 19 years I’ve been in Charlottesville.  He finished life’s race well, faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ, his wife, his three adult children and multiple grandchildren.  On the day he died he volunteered to serve as a mentor for younger men who want to grow in the faith.  He hit the finish line strong.

I felt blessed and challenged by his example.  I could tell you many stories of people who didn’t finish very well.  They started very impressively, made great progress, but stumbled very badly.  What a great thing it is, by the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ, to believe in Him, love Him, and serve Him well to the very last day.  How we long to know more men and women who hit the tape hard!

Take some time to pray and take inventory of where you are with Him.  How are you running the race now?  Do you see the obstacles and problems?  What is the wise approach to change direction?  Who could pray with you and help you finish well?

In Him,

Don