Encouragement

Finish Your Race

by Jennifer Woodley 
11/04/20
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‘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.’ 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NKJ)

A conversation with a friend this week recalled to mind two essential qualities needed for successful living: patience and perseverance. He had misplaced his brand new and very expensive glasses in his shed. Frustrated, yet determined to locate them, he resolved to look around every day until the glasses were found. After a week of searching, perseverance and patience paid off and my friend was overjoyed.

To run the race and claim the prize we need to doggedly practice these two qualities over and over again. We know that nothing worth reaching in life comes easily. The goal will never be attained without a steadfast and earnest commitment.

God is patient and persevering. He never gives up on us. At times, we can be disobedient, unloving, apathetic and disheartened. But this does not stop Him from pursuing us with relentless commitment. And He will patiently persevere, helping us in our weaknesses. Scripture exhorts us to follow the example of Jesus ‘who for the sake of the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross and disregarded the shame.’ (Hebrews 12:2).

When we consider Jesus’ trial and glory, we are encouraged to not grow weary or lose heart. He is the perfector of our faith. The coach who cheers us on. The teacher who instructs us in the way to go. The Saviour who forgives. The Lord who always leads. Because of Jesus, we can persevere. We can be patient. With Him, we can finish our race.