"Finish the Race Strong"

"I have fought a good fight, I HAVE FINISHED MY COURSE, I have kept the faith". Apostle Paul, 2 Timothy 4:7 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

WHETHER IT'S A BLUR, RED OR GREEN RIBBON WHICH IS AWARDED TO THE PARTICIPANTS, THE IMPORTANT THING IS THE THE RUNNERS COMPLETE THE COURSE

It is not how we begin the race that counts, but how we finish. The race track is strewn with the casualties of the fallen along the way. They began well, but some how they stumbled on "the sin which so easily beset them". The prizes do not go to those who enter the race, but to those who cross the finish line strong. Whether it's a blue, red or green ribbon which is awarded to the participants, the important thing is that the runners complete the course. Gold, silver and bronze medals are given to the winners in athletic events of the summer Olympic games.

EVEN THOUGH HE RECOGNIZED THAT "THE BATTLE IS THE LORD'S", HE HAD TO PLACE HIMSELF IN A POSITION OF SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Before his head was severed in a prison in Rome, the Apostle Paul, was able to give this powerful testimony that he had "fought a good fight". Even though he recognized that "the battle is the Lord's", he had to place himself in a position of spiritual warfare. It was not always easy. But, the reason he could call it "a good fight" was because he knew the final outcome. He would win! Regardless of all the pressures in ministry, he could truthfully declare that "he had kept the faith". He did not compromise when it would have been easier to have done so. Standing up against all the enemies which came against the early church, he remained an unblemished hero of the faith.

EVERYTHING THE LORD HAD DIRECTED HIM TO DO, HE WAS TOTALLY OBEDIENT

Even as Jesus said at the end of His earthly ministry, "It is finished", so Paul could decree without hesitation, "I have finished my course". He had completed his assignment. Everything the Lord had directed him to do, he was totally obedient. He had "run the race set before him with patience". No matter what the obstacles were, he persevered, and made sure that he made a strong showing when he crossed the finish line.

HOW WILL YOU FINISH YOUR RACE?

For some the race is long, while for others it is short. My parents preached the gospel for decades. My father for over 60 years, and my mother for over 70 years, while my brother only had the opportunity to preach 202 sermons before God called him home two weeks before his 23rd birthday. But all of them ran the race with everything they had, and by the grace of God finished their course. How will you finish your race? Keep your eyes on the goal--the glory of God radiating from the face of Jesus, as His lips part with the welcome words, "Well done, good and faithful servant". Winner's circle is awaiting your arrival.

Bishop Marvin Schmidt