Finishing Well

“But none of these things move me, nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24

There are days that the race is easy. But if we are honest with each other, there are days that the race is hard.

Now that summer is over, I am back on the treadmill. After having not walked all summer, I was surprised how easy it was to get back into my routine.

But quite honestly there are days that I have been walking that it seems harder than other days. There are days that I feel like I am dragging myself on the treadmill and every minute of exercise seems more like an hour than a minute. It is on those days that I am tempted to give up and quit the race.

Life can be like that, can’t it? There are days that you just feel on top of the world. My friend, Pastor Chris Hodges recently referred to these days as “Zippy-Do-Da” days!

But then there are days when life just seems to be a constant battle. You start out your day with your plan and agenda and then people come across your path that rain on your parade.

As a leader there are days that I love to lead and then there are days that I would much rather be serving chicken at Chic Fil A. J Someone once said, “Some days you are the statute – some days your are the pigeon.”

It’s on the tough days that we need to realize that is just important to finish well on the bad days as on the good days.

Some of you are in the middle of some pretty big trials and difficulties. I have several friends who are battling with terminal cancer. Friends whose marriages are unraveling and without hope of survival. From the world’s perspective they have every reason to throw in the towel. They are having “No good, very horrible bad days.”

But I want to encourage you with the words from this powerful promise. Apart from Christ living His life through You, we will never finish the race. But as you allow Him to live through you – you can do it!

If you feel like throwing in the towel – don’t! Cry out to the Lord and tell him how bad it feels. Tell him that you just are tired of running the race. And ask Him to help you finish well.

Tomorrow I want to share a prayer from Pastor Scotty Smith that I recently read on one of those days where I was ready to give up.

Hey brother – finish the race – and finish it with joy! I am cheering you on.

Running the race with joy,

Bill Welte
President/CEO

Bible Reading: Psalm 84-86; 1 Peter 2

Quote of the day: Laughter is good exercise. It’s like jogging on the inside.

Verse to Memorize: I rise before the dawning of the morning and I cry for help; I hope in your Word. My eyes are awake through the night watches, that I might meditate on Your Word. Psalm 119:147-148