Finish Strong!
When I turned 50 years old, I began to think more about the finish line of life than ever before. I can’t help it – it just comes into my mind. How long do I have on earth? What will my family be like without me? What will people really say about me when I’m gone? Then I come back to reality and realize that the Lord has been with me through so much in this life and He will certainly go with me through the finish line.
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the book of Daniel. After the Lions Den story, the visions are kind of wild. If I had visions like that, I’m sure others would probably worry about me. Daniel was a faithful, prayer warrior who followed the Lord fully and I want to be like him. I want to be consistent in my journey with the Lord so that He will trust me with insight into the future. Daniel was definitely given a “heads up”. Check this out…
“At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will stand up. There will be a time of much trouble, the worst time since nations have been on earth, but your people will be saved. Everyone whose name is written in God’s book will be saved. 2 Many people who have already died will live again. Some of them will wake up to have life forever, but some will wake up to find shame and disgrace forever. 3 The wise people will shine like the brightness of the sky. Those who teach others to live right will shine like stars forever and ever. 10 Many people will be made clean, pure, and spotless, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. Those wicked people will not understand these things, but the wise will understand them. 13 “As for you, Daniel, go your way until the end. You will get your rest, and at the end you will rise to receive your reward.” (Daniel 12:1-3;10;13 NCV)Sometimes simply finishing strong is a huge win! I’ve watched a lot of cross country and track since Luke has been running. I’ve noticed that the finish is a very significant part of the race. Some runners are “out of gas” and fall back, while others have some “kick” left and they sprint past several people who had passed them previously. I don’t think the end of my life is like that, but I do believe that God will reward the faithful followers. He loves it when we trust Him completely. He loves it when we live simply to honor Him. He loves it when our heart is in constant pursuit of His heart. I really really want to finish strong!
Pressing On! Dwayne