Finishing Well

From: Wisdom Hunters Devotionals

Hebrews 12:1 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

Along the race of life you will encounter difficulty. You will tire and need rest. You will have stretches of road that you run alone and feel like quitting. Other times the race will seem like an uphill battle with every muscle in your body screaming for attention. But thankfully, there are times of refreshment and rejuvenation. After you have run up a hill of hope, there is an opportunity to enjoy the righteous run down the other side. Indeed, some roads dead-end—you need to regroup and study the map (Scripture) of God’s will.

Some people do not finish the race well and others do. Why? It comes down to our choices. The choices you make today determine how you finish tomorrow. You can live in very difficult circumstances yet make very wise choices. If so, there is a great probability you will finish well. You can live in the best of conditions but make unwise choices. In this case, the chances are you will not finish well.

Finishing well thrives in the presence of God. Intimacy with Him positions you to hear His voice and obey Him. You want to please the one you love. And what about those who love you? Yes, accountability from others who love you most facilitates finishing well. Listen intently to those who have your best interest in mind—who are finishing well themselves. We need mentors to help us refocus on the right priorities.

Finishing well also means you live like you are dying—because we all are terminal. There is a sense of urgency to live our life today for Christ, since tomorrow may not come. We live best when we live as if today were our last day. Thus, finish well today for your heavenly Father, family, and friends. A life well spent makes your Savior smile and say, “Well done good and faithful servant.” (Luke 19:17)