I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Tim. 4:7)
HOW MANY TIMES have you enthusiastically begun a project only to lose interest long before it was finished?
I remember my excitement as a youngster when I received a paint-by-number kit for my birthday. All I had to do to create a beautiful masterpiece was to stay within the lines and be careful not to get close to an area I had painted that was not yet dry. It sounded simple and doable even for someone like me, who lacked artistic talent. Sadly, I also lacked the patience needed to finish the painting.
There have been other things I’ve started but never finished for a number of reasons, such as lack of time, money, ability. The truth is, I’m good at making excuses for not finishing what I start, especially when I realize it’s something I never should have started in the first place.
But what of my faith journey? Deciding to follow Jesus is a lifetime commitment that He calls me to keep whether or not it is easy, convenient, or wise in the eyes of the world. If I want to receive the promised “crown of righteousness,” I need to fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith.
Jesus did! Even though He knew His journey would take Him to the cross, He chose to finish what He started.
Seek God’s direction for what He might be asking you to finish.
