Fantastic Finish

I have confessed before that I enjoy a NASCAR race every now and then. I really enjoy the last 50 laps of the race when things get a bit crazy. In lots of the races, the winner is determined in the last few laps, if not the last lap. I’ve learned in the last few years the amount of money spent in technology for aerodynamics, tire structure, engine components, brakes, etc… These cars have gone through test after test to make them faster and stronger to hopefully win more races, which means more prize money and better sponsorships. It’s a huge complex operation and I used to think that they were simply driving fast and turning left all the time.

The Apostle Paul didn’t know NASCAR, but he did know something about fantastic finishes. He was on pace to finish as strong as possible in the “race of life”. I look forward to meeting Paul in heaven as I have lots of questions about his journey. He disciples (mentors) a young man named Timothy and really invests in him. Two of his epistles are written directly to Timothy as he pours out his life into this young man. Paul gives one of the clearest directives in scripture from an older man to a younger man.  In some circles, I’ve become the older man. In other circles, I’m still relatively young. Some days I feel old and I want to give these directives to my children and to anyone with whom I have influence. Check this out….

⁵ But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

⁶ As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. ⁷ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. ⁸ And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:5-8 NLT)

I don’t know when my finish line will get here. I don’t know the number of laps (aka days) that I have in this race. I am simply called to be a follower of Jesus each lap. I’m called at times to suffer for His benefit. I’m called to serve always on His behalf. I’m called to love like He loves. I really want to have a fantastic finish. I could have cancer starting to grow in my body and not know it. I could get the news that a loved one is dying. There are so many things that can go sideways in this life that I could have to face. I have put all my hope in Jesus, the Son of God. He never leaves me alone to face anything. Paul clearly felt the Presence of Jesus in the middle of his suffering. I want my life to have left a mark on my family and friends, because I’ve run the race of life with Jesus and on His behalf.

All My Hope by Crowder

#FinishStrong

Pressing On!

Dwayne