Daily Devotional: Finish the Race!

Read Acts 20:24

There is such a good feeling that goes with finishing a race. You may experience the same feeling when you finish an important task such as getting your whole house clean in plenty of time for company to come, finishing the mowing and trim work in your yard, or getting all of your homework done in time to do something fun outside before dark.  The effort it takes to get to that finish line may seem too difficult at times. I’ve run a number of marathons when I’ve wondered why I do this to myself. Of course, it’s not long after I cross that finish line when I start planning my next marathon. Once a goal is achieved, the discomfort or pain you experienced is far out-weighed by the fact that you know you accomplished something significant. That’s the motivation Paul had when it came to the task of spreading the Good News. The hardships he would endure before it was all over meant nothing to him, because he focused so well on the goal. Look to the goal the Lord has set for you. Finish the race, no matter how it feels during the race. Once your race is finished, and you know you have given it all you had, you will be able to stand before God and smile as He says, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant!”

Dear Heavenly Father,
You are the reason I am even here. It is only because of You that I am able to do the things I can. Please help me use those abilities for your glory. Help me see hardships as opportunities for me to become stronger, so I can finish the race and complete the task You have placed before me. In Jesus’ name I pray – Amen.