Philippians 1:6 ‘Being confident of this very that thing He which hath begun a good work in you , will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.’

DAILY READING •          Acts 4:1-22; Deuteronomy 19-20; Job 13

Eric Liddell, often called the “Flying Scotsman” was the fastest runner in Scotland in the 1920’s. Born to China-based  Scottish missionary parents, he was a devoted Christian who not only persevered in athletics but also in the race of faith. While still a student at the University of Edinburgh, he became well known for being the fastest runner in Scotland. Newspapers carried stories of his feats at track events.

With his amazing performance during races, it soon became obvious that he was divinely helped. One of such remarkable incidences of divine help was a race that took place in England on July 1923. This race was a 440-yard race between runners from England, Ireland, and Scotland. At the start of the race, as the runners took their first bend, an athlete from England, J. J. Gillies tripped Eric Liddel, who fell to the grass. Gillies quickly took the lead. As Eric sat forlornly on the ground, with other runners quickly passing him, he was tempted to give up. Indeed for a moment it seemed as if the race was over for Eric. It seemed he could never catch up with the others. As he got back on his feet the last of the other runners was 30 yards away and moving fast.  However, despite the discouraging situation, Eric decided to trust God for a miracle, and so he lifted up himself and ran with all his might. He attacked with such pace that he finally overtook Gillies, who was in the first position. Amazingly, Eric took the lead, crossed the finish line two yards ahead of everyone else and won the race. Eric’s win in this race was considered by many as the greatest track performance ever seen in the history of athletics in Scotland. The media reported it as bordering on the miraculous.

Galatians 6:9 says ‘And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.’

As we run the race of life there may be times we may feel faint and be tempted to give up. Challenges can seem sometimes to overwhelm and discourage us. But then we must never forget that it is he that endures to the end that will reap. Enduring to the end is where the work really is. Starting sometimes, may be easy, but staying on to the finishing is what can be difficult. Anyone can have a dream but it takes perseverance to see it come to pass. Thus the question often  is not ‘will you start, but will you finish?’

When we are hit by setbacks in the race of life, we can get discouraged. However God has not only given us the grace to start, but He has also given us the grace to finish. He is called the author and finisher of our faith. We must therefore constantly remind ourselves  that we are not created to give up or quit – but to finish. No matter the discouragement, do not give up, do not give in. Keep moving forward  in faith. God, the finisher of our faith, has furnished you with finishing grace. Tap  into it and decide never to give up. If you don’t quit you will surely win.

Indeed you can do all things through Christ that strengthens you. Tap into the finishing grace, by daily receiving strength from the Word of God. There is power in The Word to propel and move you forward. The race may not be easy, but you are not running by power or by might, but by the empowerment of The Spirit of The Lord. Therefore shake off self-pity and believe that He that has begun this good work in you is able to perfect it. God who helped you to start, will also help you to finish.

Indeed you have the grace to finish, therefore never accept defeat. Challenges will come, but that shouldn’t stop you. Oftentimes opposition is an indication you’re moving ahead, because progress gets the enemy’s attention.

No matter how tough the race may seem right now, keep pressing forward. Do not quit, do not give up. Surely there is an end, and your expectations will not be cut off. He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion. [Phil 1:6]. He will surely see you through. His grace to finish well and finish strong has been released to you. Receive it in Jesus name!

PRAYER: Lord, please help me to trust you with the journey of my life, no matter how I feel, may I always endure to the end. May I never stop my journey halfway, may I persist until I reach my goal in Jesus Name.   

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The Treasures of God are never in the shallow end, but always buried in the depths of God’s Word. – WORDBITE 222