The Finish Line

Cafe Menu for Friday, October 14, 2011

Today’s Special is:  Running With Endurance

Carefully prepared just for you by your friend, Eileen Knowles

Main Ingredient:  “And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”  Hebrews 12:1b (NLT)

Entrée:

I love finish lines.  I love completing things.  I think what I love almost as much as the finish line is that last 100 feet prior to crossing the finish line.  There’s nothing quite like that feeling that comes over us when we can see the end in sight.  When the end is near, we often feel a renewed burst of energy.  It’s like eating a handful of espresso beans.  We pick up our pace and we move forward, intently focused and driven by this overwhelming desire to reach our destination.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could live out our everyday life as if we were 100 feet from the finish line?  Wouldn’t it be nice if we could remain that focused and have that level of enthusiasm all the time?  But, the truth is, we don’t manage to live this way all the time.  We get tired of running.  We get tired of the monotony that sometimes comes along with putting one foot in front of the other.  We get frustrated.  Sometimes, the closer we move toward the finish line the further away it appears.  And, unfortunately, handfuls of espresso beans won’t solve the problem.  If it did, I would have a pantry full of them!

The only thing in life I’ve found that has allowed me to live with this sense of enthusiasm on a more regular basis is my relationship with Christ.  How closely I am walking with the Lord determines whether I am living with this 100 feet from the finish line mentality or whether I’m stuck sitting on the side of the road feeling defeated.

When I feel too weak, He gives me His strength.  When I am filled with despair, He offers me hope.  When I feel as if I have no reason to be joyful, He holds me tight and reminds me of His promises.

Take Out:  “I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line.  I’m giving it everything I’ve got.  No sloppy living for me!  I’m staying alert and in top condition.  I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself. “  1 Corinthians 9:26-27 (The Message)

Dessert:  Lord, thank You for Your promise that no matter what our circumstances might be, You are always with us on the journey.  And, because of this, we can continue to run the race with endurance!

© 2011 by Eileen Knowles. All rights reserved.