“Keep the finish line in focus or you will never train to go the distance”. The person who trains for a marathon doesn’t do so by running 100 meter dashes. They train by running long distances in variable conditions so as to be ready for anything on race day. But the one thing they keep in focus is the finish line and what it will require to get them there and train according to that.
Paul said it this way when writing to the believers about how to run their race with endurance, Heb 12:2-4 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. 4 After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin. NLT
The finish line is that place we all look forward to crossing some day. As you go through this week and are confronted with variable options and responses to life’s situations, keep the finish line in focus. You don’t find too many long distance runners meandering at the desert table, sampling all the fare and delicacies that would satisfy their craving for sweets two weeks before the race. Why? Because they have the finish line in focus and the delicious entrees before them would only hinder them from achieving that goal, or at least make the goal so much more challenging. The one who keeps the finish line in focus lives in discipline and restraint with purpose.
Keep your finish line in focus, when you are standing before King Jesus, your life is complete and you are being rewarded for how you ran the race that was placed before you. And then make decisions, today, tomorrow, next week, and so on, according to that end. After all, if you are going to run, you may as well run to win. Live today keeping the end in focus as it will help you choose between those things that will help you cross the finish line in victory and those things meant to keep you out of the running. The exhilaration of crossing the finish line will more than make up for any perceived sacrifices you are making today. Run to win!
On the Victory Side!