Read Hebrews 12:1-3
Tom and Sheila Ward’s son, Matt, just completed Hawaii’s Ironman World Championship and finished the race in 11hrs 5min! So, what were the distances that he had to perform you might ask? It consists of a 3.8km swim, a 180km bike ride and a 42km run! Now, that is pushing your body to it’s very limits and you can appreciate the training regimen that goes along with that kind of commitment. Matt received the opportunity to compete by winning a lottery spot because the average person has little chance to qualify. The people who qualify are genetically gifted and dedicate most of their time to training. He dedicated 15-16 hours a week to training which is significant but even that is on the low side compared to most that will spend 20-25 hours per week. As I had the opportunity to connect with Matt about triathlons, one thing stood out to me. He shared with me how many people will drop and fall out of the race sometimes within 100 to 150m away from the finish line. I was really surprised by that, but he shared how often the mental battle is as real as the physical one. One thing that Matt will do prior to a race is to take a significant amount of time just staring at the finish line. He wants to have a clear picture in his mind of what he will need to focus on to see him through to the end and for him it works.
I believe focusing on the finish line should be the same for us in the Christian life. Often we get wrapped up in all the details and distractions of life and before long we can easily forget that we are in a race as well. We need to continually keep asking ourselves the question, ‘In light of eternity, what difference will this make?’ I want to make sure that everything I do really positions me to finish well. My ability to persevere through the tests of life will be directly related to how well I am fixated on Jesus Christ and the life that He lived for me.
So, here we are at the end of 40 days of our journey together and my desire for each of us would be to continue to listen to His still small voice. The only way that we get to where we need to go is by getting a fresh vision of Jesus and letting His words permeate our lives. So, yes the devotionals, go blank tomorrow. However, my prayer is that as you read His Word and listen, He will give you the fresh insights that you need each day! Run the race with the finish line in mind!
Be Blessed!
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