S. Acts 20:24 (NIV)
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
O. Paul was leaving Ephesus and returning to Jerusalem where there would be potential hardships for hm. Yet he wanted to finish what God had started in him. He wanted to complete what God had called him to do - testify to the Gospel of the Grace of God.
Paul would not let hardships stand in his way; he would press on and find a way to complete the call of God in his life.
A. The Christian life is like a marathon not a sprint. It requires patient endurance. One person said to me one time, “it’s not how you start, but how you finish, so finish well.” (I think they may have quoted the late Howard Hendricks. I desire also to be one who completes the task, finishing the race and doing it well. At the end of 2017 my church plant closed it’s doors. That was not how I had wanted to finish my ministry. I am enduring some hardship now because I know God has more for me to do. I am going to stay at it through tough times and I pray resume what God has called me to do, so one day I can truly finish well.
P. Thank you Father for calling us to serve you in a variety of ways. Holy Spirit fill us and guide us to finish the race you have called each of us to and that we may complete the task of sharing the Gospel of The Grace of God. in Jesus’ name.
