Finish The Race
Today has gone fast. Some yard work, a repairman visit on our wash machine (again!), and a visit from reporters from the Fort Collins Coloradoan. They wanted to do a follow up story on my West Nile experience and the Board of Health decision to spray in high concentration areas for mosquitoes thereby overriding the city guidelines. I also have an HOA Board meeting tonight, but was able to get in a good workout at the pool.
This morning we found some chalk-art on our sidewalk. When I was outside two of our neighborhood girls walked by looking at me and looking at the sidewalk. I told them I like their work and wanted to take a picture. You can see the hearts behind the entrance to “chalkland” and then a maze to get to the exit. Pretty creative. This is Sarah (L) our next door neighbor and her friend Sierra.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24
This verse was the one used one year ago in my CaringBridge blog. Today is a significant day, when I look back to this day last year. On August 13, 2013 Christian wrote the CaringBridge blog. It was entitled, “A Hard Mile.” I was not doing well and there was a lot of uncertainty about my condition. I slept most of the day and by Christian’s observation I was fairly discouraged.
When the Apostle Paul uttered the words above, he was facing a great deal of uncertainty. He was on a journey. A journey to Jerusalem. He admitted that he did not know what he was facing. But if needed, he was willing to lay down his life for the cause of Christ. I can’t think of a better expression of being “all in” for Jesus than this one.
Paul was determined, not carefree. This was focused dedication to a cause, the cause of Christ. This was not just some caviler resignation to some unknown plan and direction in life. This was a devotion that made him willing to lay aside the natural tendency for self-preservation. His focus was on finishing the “course and the ministry I received from the Lord.” Paul’s confidence in the Lord was that he would be protected as long as that was his focus.
Paul was a faithful finisher. The journey to Jerusalem led to hardship, suffering and Paul’s imprisonment. He testified before Kings and leaders, groups and individuals. God used him to save those he was with on a ship in a storm tossed sea. While in prison he wrote several letters. Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon. As Paul wrote to Timothy, he did so with confidence in the obedience of his life to the call of Christ. He said, “I have finished the race. I have kept the faith….”
For me August 13, 2013 was a “hard mile.” But one hard mile does not determine the race. What determines the race is a commitment to finish the race. If you are experiencing a “hard mile” in life, keep pushing, keep trusting. I’m glad that I did and have made it to a day of full activity, one year later.
Christian wrote in his post last year with all honesty given my condition. “Perhaps dad still has a lot of time before that day [finishing my race] perhaps not….none of us know what tomorrow will bring…” (He then presents this challenge)
“Take a moment to quietly reflect. Ask yourself, ‘Have I been faithful?’ ‘Is each moment of my life point towards Jesus and giving Him glory?’ ‘Do I live my days in my own strength and wisdom, or in His?’ ‘Do I love others like Jesus does?'”
When I read this it challenges me and I trust it does you as well.