I have enjoyed crossing a lot of finish lines over the years. From my days as a young track runner crossing the finish line of the 1-mile run to more recently the completion of several 5ks, half-marathons, and even the Chicago Marathon (26.2 miles), I have had the gratifying experience of starting a race and then finishing it. In most cases I have crossed the line absolutely spent, with my lungs gasping, my legs burning, and my face distorted in pain. 

But after a few moments doubled-over catching my breath and receiving some love from a volunteer who puts a drink in my hand, a medal around my neck, and offers a “Well done,” I can stand upright and celebrate.

Life involves a series of finish lines. The big finish line is, of course, when you pass from this life to the next, but there are also moments of “finishing” along the way.  For example, when you start a particular project and see it through to the end, you are a finisher. When you are called on to serve in a particular capacity for a particular term and you do it, you are a finisher. When you have made a promise to someone and then fulfill it, you are a finisher.

Today I feel as though by the grace of God I have crossed another of life’s finish lines.  For the past sixteen years I have had the privilege of serving as a pastor to the Wabash Valley Bible Baptist Church. It has been an amazing experience in learning, leading, and loving. Just like in a race, the start was easy and the pace was fast, but there were many times that I felt as though I simply could not continue. Exhaustion, injuries sustained, difficulties in the course, and the sheer distance left me feeling as though I was running a marathon with no end. But to God’s glory, He sustained and enabled all the way to the finish.

The Apostle Paul frequently used the runner’s finish line metaphor to describe life and ministry. He compared the end of  one’s life to the end of a race, with an award ceremony to follow.  (I Cor. 9:24; II Tim. 4:7-8). It is true, the race can be long and agonizing, but at the finish line it will be so worth it.

Today if you are running and the finish line seems out of reach, may I recommend a few things to cheer you on?

1.  Ask God to help you keep going.  You can take heart, because “…those that wait on the LORD shall…run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31) You don’t have to go fast – just be faithful.  Jesus, the ultimate Finisher, will go with you all the way.
2. Enjoy an inspirational story. Whether it be in a book or a movie, the stories of other people who have persevered can uplift you when you need it. (Rocky, Chariots of Fire,  and the life of Winston Churchill are a few of my favorites.)
3. Consider Jesus. In the book of Hebrews, the Bible calls us to look to Jesus as the ultimate example of an inspirational finish:

•  “…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who       for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

After clearing out my office last evening, turning out the lights, and closing the door one last time I had a sense of completion. With mixed emotions, I felt as though I had crossed a finish line.

Of course, the finish line is never really the end. It is only the beginning…

God bless you, friend.

Dave