Running to Finish!

Marathon running is a rapidly growing event across the US these days. 5K, 13K, 26K—these all instantly generate ideas of long distance running. I see cars with stickers on the back with one of these numners on it—identifying that individual as one who has finished that particular run.

Marathon running is more about finishing the race than the actual win at the end. All finishers are winners in marathon running! All who complete it join in the celebration together and those who don’t are encouraged to give it another try at the next event that comes along.

I have to admit I’ve never been a distance runner and as I get older the short distances I used to run are getting shorter all the time. I doubt I will ever put my own body through the torture of a marathon, but everyday I continue to pursue this marathon of life in Christ Jesus.

As he was nearing his time of departure from this life, Paul encouraged young Timothy with these words: “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time for my departure is close. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:6-8). 

Paul had run the distance. He had put in his best efforts to further the name of Jesus, He had suffered; he had gone through horrendous pain, sorrow, abuse, torment—you name it, he’d been there—all for the cause of Christ. But he wasn’t departing this life regretting what he had done; rather, he was acknowledging the fact that he had fought the fight he’d been given and overcome. He had finished the race that had been set before him. And, most importantly, he had hung on to Jesus all the way to the end. He was a finisher!

You may be discouraged today. You may feel like quitting. You may feel like giving up on life—it just isn’t worth all this trouble I’m going through in my life. I want to challenge you to take a fresh gulp of the Living Water today, get a fresh glimpse of all GOD has in store for those who run to the finish and understand GOD is there for you when you feel like its time bail.

Reach out to Him today. Trust in Him. No matter what your hardships in life may be; no matter how difficult everything may seem, GOD is in control today. Today, we are running to finish because every finisher is a winner!