Finish Line

I often use the analogy of getting a deal across the finish line. When crossing the finish line, the runner knows that the race is complete. Runners are usually warming down as their bodies have been put to the test.

The finish line can also refer to the end of life on earth. The older I get, the more I think about the finish line and wonder what it looks like for me. It’s different for everyone. When I read history, I read of soldiers who were fighting for our country and our freedoms and they reached the finish line earlier.

I know of people who have recently passed from this life earlier than expected because of this respiratory virus called COVID-19 exploited other issues they had going on.

King Saul and his sons were in the thick of battle when they reached the finish line early. Check this out….

¹ Now the Philistines attacked Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them. Many were slaughtered on the slopes of Mount Gilboa. ² The Philistines closed in on Saul and his sons, and they killed three of his sons—Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malkishua. ³ The fighting grew very fierce around Saul, and the Philistine archers caught up with him and wounded him.

⁴ Saul groaned to his armor bearer, “Take your sword and kill me before these pagan Philistines come to taunt and torture me.”

But his armor bearer was afraid and would not do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it. ⁵ When his armor bearer realized that Saul was dead, he fell on his own sword and died.⁶ So Saul and his three sons died there together, bringing his dynasty to an end. (1 Chronicles 10:1-6 NLT)

When I think of how I get to the finish line, I sometimes get troubled thinking about my loved ones who will finish at a different time than me. I want to make sure all is prepared. I want to make sure my heart is prepared. I want to make sure that I have what it takes to finish the race.  I want to be like Paul and fight a good fight and finish the race. He pens words of encouragement to his young protégée, Timothy. Check this out….

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 4:6-8 NLT)

The finish line is coming for everyone who is currently alive on this “spinning ball” called earth. If I want to finish strong and well, I need to daily seek the heart of Creator God, Who is the only One Who knows the timing of my finish.

Pressing On!

Dwayne