If You Finished You Won

I once ran a marathon. I've spoken and written a great deal
about the experience. It was a landmark day for me. I loved and
hated it at the same time. Running might be exaggerating a bit.
Granted, there was some running going on. There was also lot
of jogging and near the end; it was probably more like shuffling.
While once in the presence of a very good marathoner, I humbly
apologized for my slow time to which I was solidly rebuked.
Even as I write, I can hear him... it's not how fast you run but
whether or not you finish. Did you finish? He asked as if to
make a point. To which I replied ...Of course... Well... He
said... If you finished you won... I was inspired.
Jesus said...it is finished. Paul said I have finished the
course. I want to encourage you today to think about your life.
Have you paced yourself for the whole journey? Have you
counted the cost of authentic discipleship? One of my very
favorite authors was and continues to be AW Tozer. In his
book, The Dwelling place of God he lists six keys to endurance
that I think are worthy for us to consider today.

They are:

One, Strive to get beyond mere pensive longing. Ie, Do
something!

Two, Tie up the loose ends of your life.

Three, Put away every unchristian habit from you.

Four, Get Christ Himself in the focus of your heart and
keep Him there continually

Five, Throw your heart open to the Holy Spirit and invite
Him to fill you.

Six, Be hard on yourself and easy on others.

Our Christian life is a lot like a marathon. The goal is to
finish. I finished the run. I really don't think I will ever do
another. In order to finish we need to start well and run well.
Some are just starting and some have been running for a long
time. Where ever this note finds you keep running. It's a great
race!

God bless you in your pursuit of Him. Until later, I remain,

In His grip of grace,

Pastor Ken