Finish

When I turned 50 years of age a couple of years ago, I realized that I began thinking a lot more about the “finish line” than ever before. I have good friends that are in their 70’s and going strong. I also have friends who are not a lot older than me, and their health is failing.  I want to make my life count and not just count my days. I don’t want to appear all bummed and sad, I just want to finish strong serving the Lord.

As I was reading Acts this morning, Paul bids farewell to the Elders at the church in Ephesus. He realizes that he’s nearing the end of this race called life. He gives a summary of his life and ministry with them and their church. He then talks a bit about what is in his future. Check this out….

The first thing that jumped out at me is that Paul is “compelled by the Holy Spirit”. The Holy Spirit that dwells in him leads him. He is clearly focused on finishing strong the task that He was given by the Lord.  His message is about the Grace of God and he can’t quit speaking about it. He is being led to take it places where his life will be threatened. I love his boldness and his strength even as he faces hardship and suffering.

I want my life today to be led by the Holy Spirit. I want to go where He leads me to go. I want to say what He wants me to say. I want to serve where He wants me to serve. I want to live out my life in the open speaking about the Amazing Grace of God to all who know me. I want to finish strong sharing about this Grace that I have showered on me daily. I am still humbled that God would love me this much. I am humbled that He has given me opportunity after opportunity to come back home to Him. His Grace is ridiculous to try to define, contain or measure. His Grace is like nothing else I’ve ever known. I want to keep sharing His Grace with everyone I meet until I cross the finish line!