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Let Us Finish Well!

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 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. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.” Hebrews 12:1-3

When our middle daughter Shayli was about 12, she ran in her first track meet. We didn’t know what sort of athlete she would be yet, but before the race, I told her, “You’re not going to want to try to beat everybody in the first 300 yards. Hang back a little bit, and when you get to the last 100 yards, kick it in!”

I remember standing by the fence near the end. She immediately followed my instructions and was at the back of the race! I knew she was faster than at least some of the other contestants. She was so fast, but now she was so far behind! With about 100 yards left, Shayli started to sprint, and as I jumped up and down cheering her on, she sprinted up to a photo finish! What a wonderful race!

God has a race for each of us to run. The life of faith is the key to our running this race successfully. It is a daily struggle, but if we’re with Christ, grace and strength are ours.

I never ran track at all, but I realize in my early days of ministry, it was a sprint. These days it is more of an endurance race. At any speed, we must not let sin trip us up.

Vision is vital. Keep your eyes on Jesus. When did Peter begin to sink into the water? When he looked away from Jesus.

God has led NBC through many significant changes, but by keeping our eyes on Jesus, NBC has stayed in His will.

The most important part of that race for my daughter was the last ten meters. I am way nearer to retirement than I was back then. We all must finish well! There is hostility toward the Church, but we follow the Champion Jesus Christ. We have His vital message. This is our time! Keep your eyes on Jesus and don’t give up.

- Rev. Shawn Siegfreid pastors Kansas City First Church of the Nazarene and serves on the Nazarene Bible College Board of Trustees. 

Published: 02/02/2024

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