ODB: finishers
January 12, 2010
Run the race with eternity in view.
READ: 2 Timothy 4:1-8
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. —2 Timothy 4:7
When I was a kid, I dreamed of becoming a black belt in karate. Several years ago, I began training and came close to fulfilling that goal. However, two belts away from my goal, I quit. There were two reasons—my teacher changed styles in the middle of my training, and I got so busy that I could not devote adequate time for training.
Almost every week, I am nagged by the thought that God wants me to be a finisher in all aspects of my life—but especially in my service for Him.
As Paul spoke of the conclusion of his life, he did not have any nagging thoughts of unfinished business about his ministry. In this final farewell (2 Tim. 4:7), Paul used imagery-rich words to talk about finishing his service for Christ. He described his life and ministry in terms of a fight: “I have fought the good fight.” The fight was good because he had engaged in it for God and the gospel. Then he used the imagery of a race as synonymous with his ministry: “I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Paul affirmed that by God’s grace he had finished all that God had given him to do.
As followers of Jesus, let us strive to be finishers, persevering in our service for Jesus Christ. — Marvin Williams
Source: Our Daily Bread
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Unfinished business is something that I am very familiar with. I cannot count the number of things I have started and not finished. But I realise that it is a shame not to finish what one has started. I realize that the major reason behind uncompleted projects or ventures is lack of proper planning (counting the cost) at the initial stage, and having too many projects at the same time. Yes, God wants us to be finishers in every aspect of life, especially in our service for Him. So, we have to realize that all that we are and all that we do are supposed to be service to Him. Reading today’s devotional has made me realize that instead of packing too many projects at the same time, I should take it one step at a time, so that I can finish. It is better to start and finish a few projects, that to start many laudable projects and leave all of them completed.
Thank God cos His grace is sufficient, and He’ll be with me every step of the way as I serve Him in my daily living.