P.E.W. Perspective

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful” (2 Timothy 4:7 NLT)

As a long-distance runner I know what it is to run the race. I was always conscious of the need to start well and establish my pace early. As a new runner I often fought the temptation to go out too fast and then I would pay for that enthusiasm later in the race. I would settle into a good pace and always tried to make sure I had something left in the tank to assure a strong finish. There was no better feeling than finishing a 10-mile race with a sprint to the finish line.

I am in the last stages of the most important race of my life. This race began in 1969 and I am still running. The starting line was in Gilroy, CA when I knelt at a pastor’s couch and accepted Christ into my life. I committed myself to a life-time race of representing Him well in the world around me. There have been stumbles along the way. There have even been a few falls, but I managed to pick myself up each time and continue the race. I am still running.

I have been running this race for almost 50 years now. I am beginning to understand that the finish line is not far ahead. I recognize that my overall pace during the race has been good, because I am feeling a surge of energy and am beginning to slowly pick up the pace. If I finish successfully I will be up for the greatest race award ever. “And now the prize awaits me – the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return.” (2 Timothy 4:8) And I will hear those welcome words, ‘well done, good and faithful servant’.

Father, I thank you for the privilege to run in this race, and for enabling me to run well, give me the strength to finish strong . Amen.