Run The Race

There are a couple of things you need to know about me. First, I like to shovel snow. And second, I like to mow grass.

I’m sure that sounds rather strange to you! It means this winter season has been very disappointing to me because we have had a very mild winter here in our neck of the woods. The tulips and daffodils will soon finish their winter respite and start popping up through the ground. But, what’s the deal with me shoveling snow and mowing grass?

When I shovel snow or mow a yard I can see my starting point, map out the path I will take, and work until I complete my goal. I can see my overall progress and it feels so good when I finish. I can sometimes feel overwhelmed with the tasks of ministry and the pressures of life. It seems as if my “to do” list just continues to grow. It’s often hard to measure progress.

As people of faith, how do we measure progress on our Christian journey? The Apostle Paul offers us some encouragement, just as he did Timothy. He wrote “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

Paul was in prison when he wrote this to Timothy and was anticipating his own death. He only has one more thing on his “to do” list to check off – passing the baton of ministry to Timothy. His words to Timothy are not those of a man experiencing defeat, discouragement, brokenness, or cynicism. Paul speaks with confidence and calm assurance because he can see where he started this journey of sharing the gospel, the path he has taken, and now knows the finish line is in sight.

Are you just beginning your race or is the finish line coming into view? Wherever you are in the race, it is my deepest prayer that as you finish strong, you are also handing off your faith to those in the next generation. Make sure that the name of Jesus is spoken often in your home, and you are coaching others to run the race with endurance. To finish well our lives need to be viewed, and lived, an act of sacrificial worship to our God.

By the way, I’m hoping we will still have some winter weather! My snow shovel is ready!

Blessings,
Pastor David