FINISHER
May 1, 2019
We are grateful, Lord, that You are the wind beneath our sails. You are our strength and You sustain us. Thank You. Amen.
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 in this account, 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 to get an early start. Paul, however, considered his life to be worthless if he were 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. Each student is timed as they run or walk a mile as part of the requirements. I am not a runner. 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.
May and June can be a hard month for us. 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 that you have made progress on the goals you set. Pray about ways you need to be motivated like Paul to finish the race and complete your task. Consider the rewards of finishing the race. What is rewarding about your tasks? Cheer other Christian educators you know on to the finish line.
Copyright Kathy Branzell. Email [email protected]