The Finish Line

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us"
- Hebrews 12:1


The Bible compares our Christian walk to a race. No, not a sprint, but a marathon. Speed is not the determining factor in this race. It's endurance.

Imagine yourself in a race, with a large crowd watching, and some have already finished the race themselves. What are they saying to you?

Unlike an actual marathon, you don't know where the finish line is. You know there is one. But how much more do you need to run to get there? You don't know that. Okay, so you need an illustration from real life, right? Let's ask Mr. Wikipedia again:


I know, that picture wasn't so clear. But look very closely. The guy at the right is facing everyone else. You know who that is? That's the coxswain. The coxswain is the person in charge of a boat, particularly its navigation and steering. The others can't see the finish line, but he knows where it is. They have to get all their directions and encouragement from him.

Jesus Christ is like our coxswain. He knows where the finish line is, we don't. We just have to keep following His instructions, because we trust Him. We know that ultimately, all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28).

A story is told by Max Lucado of a man on an African safari deep in the jungle. The guide before him had a machete and was whacking away the tall weeds and thick underbrush. The traveler, wearied and hot, asked in frustration, “Where are we? Do you know where you are taking me? Where is the path?!” The seasoned guide stopped and looked back at the man and replied, “I am the path.”

Doesn't Jesus do the same? He did say He is the Way (John 14:6). He told us not to worry about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34). We follow Him day by day. To me, that's awesome. Jesus is our Way. Our path. And the Bible says that our path shines brighter everyday (Proverbs 4:18). Everyday is a step closer to the finish line when we see Jesus face to face to hear Him say, "Well done!"

Until that day comes, I have to keep reminding myself to live one day at a time. Not to jump to too many conclusions. Not to worry about my life tomorrow. Not to hold my plans too tightly. This world is passing away, and we are on a race. Let's finish strong, like the apostle Paul who said at the end of his life,

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing." - 2 Timothy 4:7-8

How did Paul do it? He left us with a clue.

"Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. " - Philippians 3:13-14


Press on, press on, and press on...