Finish Strong

A few weeks ago when I was running Sugarland Half Marathon, I was asked how I could sprint the last .10 of a mile when the last 2 miles had been so painful for me. The answer really is simple, "Finish Strong." All through my training, J has been encouraging me that no matter how good or how bad my run was to sprint in the last tenth of a mile or so to my finishing point. If you don't practice, it will be harder to finish strong. Besides, who wants to WALK across the finish line (unless you are injured) after persevering for 13 miles? Not me. However, because I had trained, I could finish and finish well.

This whole thought was brought back to me today as I was thinking, "really it's only 2 more days of my caffeine fast, couldn't I just have one today? I've mostly made it." I'm not trying to be legalistic, but I took up drinking water in honor of running for Living Water. With every glass, I am reminded how fortunate I am that I have free water at my disposal and not only that I know the true Living Water, Jesus Christ. I had to remind myself to FINISH STRONG.

How much like our spiritual journey is this? How much more do we need to finish out that which we have started - not just half heartedly, not just because we have to, not begrudgingly, but to cross the finish line sprinting.

I love these Scriptures.

Acts 20:24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

I Corinthians 9:24-25 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

When I cross the finish line, I desire to hear, "Well done good and faithful servant."

What is it that you need to finish strong at? Is it a Bible study that you have started? Is it a place of service? simply parenting your children; I know mine make me want to give up on a daily basis? praying for the salvation of a loved one? Whatever it is, let me encourage you, FINISH STRONG!