Last Mile

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

(James 1:12, NKJV)

Any time each one of us starts to do something, we have a drive and commitment to see its end.  We have a lot of energy at the start and are optimistic that we have what it takes to finish as planned.  As we continue on the journey of what we are doing, we get to realize that there are some unexpected challenges and circumstances which at times slow us down, taking away some of the starting enthusiasm that we had exhibited. These bumps along the way, could be calling for a different strategy, additional resources including gaining some knowledge on the topic or even involving other people in our journey.  If these elements had not been factored in at the starting point, one tends to get discouraged and many give up on the journey which they had started with great anticipation of finishing successfully. 

Our journey of faith as believers is no different from the realities of our natural experiences.  Living a life of faith and choosing to be faithful to God is not always an easy thing, there will be challenges along the way and we need to remind ourselves that we are expecting to reach the finish line. Jesus our Master told us that we shall have trouble in this world, but we should take heart from the knowledge that He has overcome (John 16:33).  Brethren, troubles and trials are part of the package of this journey, but we are encouraged that just as our Lord Jesus overcame the trials, we too will overcome.  This is the story of all believers.  In 1952, John W. Peterson wrote and published the hymn we sing: “It’s not an easy road, we are travelling to heaven,” The song powerfully reminds us that though the journey is rough, Jesus goes besides us, brightening the journey and lightening every heavy load.  What a comfort to lean on when our strength is low!  Jesus is with us to help us through.

Our reference verse reminds us that the finishing point is most important, and we need to push to reach it.  With our minds set on reaching the finishing point, we struggle along the journey, at times lose our strength and need to be rejuvenated so that we regain our focus to keep moving. We are not such as give up; we keep the faith and contend for it (Jude 1:3).  Beloved, we are reminded to be willing to explain what we have believed, stating our position and giving an account of our faith when faced with questions (1 Peter 3:15). Peter and John when questioned by the Sanhedrin declared their stand that they could not but speak of the things they had witnessed, seen and heard (Acts 4:18-20).

Brethren, staying true and faithful takes whole-hearted determination, it means always keeping our eyes on the ball so that we are not distracted.  On a heart level, we need to be fully convinced of what we are believing and our expectation, Paul declared that he was persuaded of whom he believed in and that He was able to keep him to the end (2 Timothy 1:12). While we have songs based on this verse, it is important that on an individual level we are clear of what we are expecting to receive at the end of this journey, the revelation of this becomes a source of strength as we take the next steps.  Beloved, keep moving forward, do not give up in the fight of faith no matter the trials for we have a promise in the word of God to them that finish that finish the race, a crown of righteousness is awaiting (2 Timothy 4:8).  For that we push on in faith, we draw on the help and strength of the Holy Spirit when we are weak, ours is to keep moving forward, the crown is at the finish line.  It is said, that it does not matter how you started, it matters how you finish.  Paul made an often-quoted statement which I pray is the desire of us all, that he had fought a good fight and finished the race, and now he was expecting the crown of righteousness, a beautiful expectation (2 Timothy 4:7-8).  Beloved, let us ponder on that for it should very well be our declaration at the end of this journey.

Thoughts:

Are there things which are holding you back in the journey?

What do you need to do to keep moving forward?

What are you expecting at the finish line?

How will you keep your focus on the goal to the end?