Finish My Race with Joy
The Christian life is like a very long race, even more than a marathon. It takes strength and perseverance to complete the race and remain true to the Lord. However, it is possible to finish the race with joy.(Acts 20:24) That was Paul's goal, and I believe, it should be our goal, too.
Paul made this declaration to his fellow believers at a very significant time in his life. He was going to Jerusalem in obedience to the Holy Spirit, and he believed he would go to Rome after that. However, the Spirit told him that "chains and tribulations" were awaiting him. He did not run the other way. He did not cry, "Why me?" He confidently confessed that none of those things upset him. He was set on finishing his race with joy and finishing his ministry of testifying to the gospel of grace. He was determined to do this with joy.
Joy is a positive disposition with peace of heart that comes from knowing we are in the hands of the Lord, so that whatever happens, we will be with Him, here or in heaven. Chains and tribulations do not deter joy. We can run to the end of our earthly lives with joy, if we have our eyes fixed on Jesus, and our hearts set on fulfilling His will for our lives. All the while we stay faithful, looking forward to seeing Him face to face.
I pray that we are not Christians, who look like we have been vaccinated with pickle juice. A sour disposition and sulking do not give a good testimony for our Lord. Let's determine to run the race with joy and finish with joy, no matter what trials we encounter. What a testimony to the power of God to change us and sustain us!
Tomorrow, I intend to read Acts 22-24.
Paul made this declaration to his fellow believers at a very significant time in his life. He was going to Jerusalem in obedience to the Holy Spirit, and he believed he would go to Rome after that. However, the Spirit told him that "chains and tribulations" were awaiting him. He did not run the other way. He did not cry, "Why me?" He confidently confessed that none of those things upset him. He was set on finishing his race with joy and finishing his ministry of testifying to the gospel of grace. He was determined to do this with joy.
Joy is a positive disposition with peace of heart that comes from knowing we are in the hands of the Lord, so that whatever happens, we will be with Him, here or in heaven. Chains and tribulations do not deter joy. We can run to the end of our earthly lives with joy, if we have our eyes fixed on Jesus, and our hearts set on fulfilling His will for our lives. All the while we stay faithful, looking forward to seeing Him face to face.
I pray that we are not Christians, who look like we have been vaccinated with pickle juice. A sour disposition and sulking do not give a good testimony for our Lord. Let's determine to run the race with joy and finish with joy, no matter what trials we encounter. What a testimony to the power of God to change us and sustain us!
Tomorrow, I intend to read Acts 22-24.