"The Race"

    I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith

                                         2 TIMOMTY 4:7

         

    The much satisfaction in finishing something you have begun! The success of a race is determine not only by how well you begin but also by how well you end. Many athletes can begin a race impressively, but if they stumble or are injured or lack the stamina to finish, their good start is useless. Paul rejoiced that he had not only begun the race, but he had also finished it. His prize was a robust faith in God and a life filled with  God's  powerful presence. The christian life is not easy. Some mistakenly assume that once they become children of God, their struggles are over. Many christian begin their walk with christ enthusiastically, but as the  pressure mount, they lose heart and abandon their pilgrimage.

    Paul described his christian life as a battle. There were times when he struggled, and only through perserverance could he continue. It may surprise us to know that the great apostle had to struggles at times to be faihful to God. Paul faced persecution, misunderstanding, betrayal, and death threats. His Christian life was anything but easy, yet he persevered.

    Your faith in God is not proven by begining the race but by ending to the finished. Publicly announcing your commitment to Christ in your church does not compare with a lifetime of devotion to his cause. Use Paul as day conclude, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith!"