Stay people focused.
When you start a race, the ultimate goal is to be the first one to cross the finish line. Winning feels great. It indicates that you’ve accomplished what you set out to do.
Philippians 3:13-14 (AMP) Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 15:57-58 (NLT) But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
1 Corinthians 9:24 (NLT) Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!
How to finish strong
- Stay connected to God. John 15:5 (NLT) “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”
- Don’t try to run this race on your own. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NLT) Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.
- Stay focused on the race. Looking closely at today’s key verses. It also teaches us the importance of discipline, focus, endurance, and commitment. Seeing that the race God set out for us is a lifelong marathon, we must commit ourselves to run to the very end. A daily regimen of prayer, worship, reading God’s Word and examining our lives for impediments will help. We will persevere by maintaining a Christlike attitude even during trials.
1 John 2:6 (ESV) whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
No matter how long the race may be, keep your eyes on Jesus.
Hebrews 12:2 (NLT) We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
In conclusion: “No one has a problem with the first mile of a journey. Even an infant could do fine for a while. But it isn’t the start that matters. It’s the finish line.” –Julien Smith