I have always been impressed with long distance runners. The required endurance just amazes me. I can't imagine going the distance in a half marathon, much less a full 26.2 miles. I try to run 3 miles, 3 days a week and I have just entered my first 5k, which takes place the day after I turn 55. But the thought of running nearly 8 1/2 times that is mind-boggling.
The other day as I set out for my morning jog, I felt really good. I thought I would push myself a little and made the mistake I have made too many times before; I started out way too fast. While I was able to beat my record for the first mile, as you can probably guess, I ran out of steam well before my 3 miles was up. I had to walk the last half mile.
The Apostle Paul writes on several occasions comparing the Christian walk to a race. Just as in a physical race, our walk with Christ is less about starting fast and more about endurance. It's about running a good race and finishing well. In 2 Timothy 4:6, Paul acknowledges that the time of his departure has come, and continues in verse 7 to say I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; (NASB).
Paul wasn't making millions on book deals, packing out stadiums, and making his rounds on the TV talk shows. Far from it. He had spent most of his final days imprisoned for spreading the Good News of the Gospel. Yet under some of the worst conditions imaginable, Paul wrote some of the most encouraging and challenging teaching we have in the New Testament. He had not let his current situation get in the way of the mission that Jesus had called him to.
So let us follow the example that Paul set before us and hold on to this eternal hope that we have in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as we press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14 (NASB) And as we close in on the finish line, hopefully we, like Paul, can say that we have fought the good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith!
Acts 20:24 (NASB) “But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.
Pastor Mike Deese
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