Finishing Well
In some ways life is short, as the years slip by faster and faster. Then, in another way it is like a marathon more than a sprint. This is especially true for us as believers. We are in a long race that we call the Christian life. It is wonderful to get a great start to this race, but the main thing is to finish well. Paul was set on doing that, no matter what happened to him. (Acts 20:24) How is your resolve to finish your course and the ministry God saved you to perform? Let's all ask ourselves that question.
Paul was returning to Jerusalem when he stopped by close to Ephesus and met with the elders of the church of Ephesus. He had spent 3 years of ministry there, and he was very close to the leaders of this very important church of Asia Minor. The Lord had showed him that all types of trials and sufferings were ahead of him, but Paul did not shy away from going back. In fact, he was determined to obey God and to continue to testify to the gospel of the grace of God wherever he was led. He did this, and at the end of his life, he was able to report that he had finished the course. (II Timothy 4:7) What will it be for us? Will we have regrets, or will we finish well? God is there for us, but the decision is up to us. We must move forward faithfully obeying Him no matter what comes. Then, He will receive us to our reward in heaven.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Acts 21-23.
Paul was returning to Jerusalem when he stopped by close to Ephesus and met with the elders of the church of Ephesus. He had spent 3 years of ministry there, and he was very close to the leaders of this very important church of Asia Minor. The Lord had showed him that all types of trials and sufferings were ahead of him, but Paul did not shy away from going back. In fact, he was determined to obey God and to continue to testify to the gospel of the grace of God wherever he was led. He did this, and at the end of his life, he was able to report that he had finished the course. (II Timothy 4:7) What will it be for us? Will we have regrets, or will we finish well? God is there for us, but the decision is up to us. We must move forward faithfully obeying Him no matter what comes. Then, He will receive us to our reward in heaven.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Acts 21-23.