FINISH THE RACE WITH GRACE

FINISH THE RACE WITH GRACE
May 18, 2018

Prayer: We pray Lord that by your Holy Spirit we may finish the race with grace, completing the task the Lord Jesus has given us.

Scripture: “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me–the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.” Acts 20:24 NIV

Luke, while traveling with Paul, is recording their journey which is about to take them to Jerusalem. Paul explains that he has no idea what awaits him, but in verse 23 reports “I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.” I would have to say that would not motivate me to pack my bags and get an early start. Paul, however, considers his life worthless if not on the road to finishing the race and completing the task Jesus had given him.

Many schools participate in a variety of physical fitness challenges, including the President’s Physical Fitness Award. Each student is timed as they run or walk a mile as part of the requirements. I am not a runner, and I doubt that I would qualify to receive the award. I would just be happy if I could finish the mile within the allowed amount of time for PE class – none of that four minute mile stuff for me. I pray you are not feeling this way right now.

The last weeks of the school year can be very challenging. As you race toward the finish line, vision of summer can distract students and educators alike, but sometimes the teachers are the only ones who stay on track. The race is not over; there are still lessons to be taught, projects to turn in and papers to grade. Beyond that, there are many opportunities for prayer as high school students are making life decisions and sometimes, life-changing bad choices. Please pray for wisdom and safety over all of the students in your district.

I pray that you have set your sights on the task God has given you. As the shepherd of your classroom flock, I pray that you are just as enthusiastic as you were the first week of school. I hope that your class is filled with laughter and you have made progress on the goals you set.