Author and Finisher: J.C.


'Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!' Hebrews 2:1-3 (MSG)

Don't you see it? The amazing gift of life we have been given! Look at that great cloud of witnesses! Why even yesterday, I was encouraged by more than a few of them. Don't give up! So what's my excuse? It's my time to subdue the strong man in order to put behind me the afflictions that keep me out of the race. My challenges and weaknesses only pale when I recall what Christ went through on the cross. What are my little trials but examples that I need more of Him in order to perfect my faith and grow in His grace. Rid yourself of what hinders you and start running!

Tell me the stories of Jesus. I long to hear how He did it. How He endured and put up with and plowed through it all to reach the Throne, His heavenly place of honor. He never lost sight of where He was going. His finish was what made the difference for me. Whatever I am going through in the physical, I know He has experienced the same. He won the race and because He lives He gives me strength to face another tomorrow.

So, why not get on with it? To be an ending there must be a beginning as well. Because He started it, I know that He will see me through to the end of it. Because He loves me that's just what I need to know to keep me in it. I will not quit. I am not alone. I see the Joy that is set before me. I find it in my obedience to Him. He is still writing my book. One day my joy will be complete whenever He is finished with me. I will run this faith race with everything that I have. Facing each day with the hope that one day I will meet the Author and Finisher of my life, win the prize and look into the face of Jesus.

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