End of the Beginning

“Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the Author, and Finisher of our faith.”  Hebrews 12:2

Onlookers watching a race note the runners' confidence and anticipation, sometimes mixed with a bit of anxiety. The writer of Hebrews set the imagery of a race he refers to Christians running (although everyone born runs the race of life, just not with the same goal in sight). This unique race is not a competition of runners but of putting one’s foot in front of the other as we make our way daily through life. The event is not a sprint; you will not dart through it. It isn’t a relay where you pass the baton off to a teammate to finish the run. Instead, this race is like a marathon; it’s a long run, and you participate until your life ends.

Every race has a finish line and keeping one’s eyes on it is essential. The apostle Paul said he focused on what lay ahead, forgetting the past and pressing forward for the heavenly prize at the end of his race (Philippians 3:13–14). To avoid veering off course, we must focus on Jesus, the One at the beginning of our faith is the same One there at the finish of life. When our race is over, spending eternity with Him is the Father’s promise to His children, the prize for which we strive. But not all people have the same finish line in sight. Those without Christ, even though they prosper now with their eyes fixed on worldly things, will not end well. Runners refusing the world's Savior—God’s gift of Jesus—will cross the finish line, entering eternity separated from their Creator by choice.

Today ends the beginning of the New Year that started over three hundred days ago. If you didn’t fare well, don’t despair, give up, give in, or look back as you face a new year. Instead, ask your Life Coach where you went wrong and heed His instructions. Keep pushing forward; persevere, knowing what awaits. Oh, that we would hear our Lord and Savior say, Well done, good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21) when we cross the finish line and enter His rest. 

From my heart to yours, have a blessed New Year!