Prayer Journal
Monday, October 2, 2000
Watching a race can be captivating. The Olympic Games just ended in Syndey, Australia and for two weeks, people around the world viewed races of every sort on television. Some of them lasted only seconds, while others took hours to complete. Whether it was across the countryside or around an oval track, athletes ran to finish the race and win the prize.
The person finishing the race in first place is always appreciated. However, there is a phenomenon that occurs where those who fail to win the race receive applause equalling or even surpassing that of the winner. They may have injuries, physical disabilities or simply suffer from extreme exhaustion. At some point, they realize they will not win, yet they have the determination to complete the race regardless of the distraction.
The apostle Paul knew the importance of completing what he started. In his final letter to Timothy, Paul urged his little brother to discharge the duties of his ministry. As for Paul, he said his life was like a race and the end like a finish line that he was about to cross. (2 Tim 4:5,7)
Today, you may not feel like a winner in your race. You may suffer from pain, discouragement and other distractions. The inner voice that tells you to quit gets louder and louder the closer you get to the finish line. The thought that no one cares, no one is looking and anything less than winning first place is unworthy, tempts you to stop short of the finish line. We fail to recognize that finishing strong is the prize and not the recognition for our athletic ability and physical endurance.
Most of us watching others race may not finish first in our own "race". If that's you, be encouraged today by Paul's writing to those who are tempted to quit their race short of the finish line:
"Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means." 2 Cor 8:11
(1) Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
(2) The images used herein were obtained from the Learning Company's ClickArt Christian Graphics Deluxe product, (c)1999 The Learning Company, Inc and its subsidiaries, 88 Roland Way, Novato, CA 94945 USA. All Rights Reserved.
