Recently I was watching the Track & Field World Championships in Dubai. I am always impressed with the sacrifices these athletes make to win their race. It’s more than discipline and sacrifice. They are willing to give everything they have to achieve their goals. The elation they feel when they win is all the justification they need for all of the training they put themselves through. The Apostle Paul was the same way. He was sold out to the Gospel and didn’t look at life preservation as an option. He wanted to finish the course and ministry the Lord had given him.
Acts 20:24
“But I consider my life of no value to myself; my purpose is to finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.”
Push On
Paul went on three missionary journeys that saw him travel all over the Mediterranean, preaching the Gospel and planting churches. He endured great hardship but always kept his eye on the mission Jesus had given to him to reach the Gentiles. He wanted to finish the course well. With that goal in mind, he pushed on to what was in front of him. Never once did he waver from what he was called to do.
Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
Many people want to be used by God. They dream of grandiose ministries that reach thousands of people and are never short of ideas on how to go about it. What prevents most people from doing it is the thought of being uncomfortable. The first sign of trouble or difficulty, and they rethink it all. Nothing worth doing comes easy. We have to grit our teeth and set about the task until its finished. When we do this, we realize all of the dreams God has put on our hearts. Don’t give up too early.
Finish the Course
Finish the course God has set before. Start with the first step and then put one foot in front of the other. Consistency and courage will get you farther than passion and motivation. There were many days Paul wanted to give up, but he kept going because he knew he wasn’t finished. His job was to testify to the Gospel of God’s grace, and he wasn’t going to quit until he was relieved of his duties. If God has put you on a path, show His grace, and continue on until He tells you you are done.