Life is often pictured as running a race. It is not a hundred meters dash, but a marathon race. Running a marathon has little to do with how you cross the starting line, but it has everything to do with how you pace yourself in this long journey and cross that finishing line. Along the race we see many people quit because of hardship and other reasons. Many people crossed the starting line, but not many people crossed the finishing line. It is always too soon to quit.

God wants all of us to begin well and finish well. That is why the Bible is filled with stories of ordinary people who persevered and finished well. Hebrew Chapter Eleven is a record of men and women who finished well despite of difficult circumstances. They along with all the heroes of faith are our witnesses to cheer us on. They are saying to us, “I have done it, so can you!” And the writer of Hebrew Chapter Twelve, verses 1-2 agrees,

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and the perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

In these verses God has given us three formulas to finish well.

First, you need to get rid of extra weight. That is everything that will hinder you from running the race. It is the physical or the external thing. This can be over eating, over sleeping, unhealthy habits or lifestyle that robs you of good heath and the pleasure of finishing well. If you have any of this extra weight, why not throw them out of your life today.

Second, say “no” to every form of sin. This has to do with your life or something internal. Whether it is habitual sin, or sinful behavior they will hinder you from finishing well. It may be pride, selfishness, unforgivingness, or even bitterness. Put a stop to it.

Finally, in order to help you run and finish your race well you need to glue your eyes to Jesus. I mean do not let anything to distract you from focusing on Jesus. He is the one who has bought you with His blood, He will provide every resources you need to finish well. Go to Him, draw near to Him, and keep a short account with Him. Remember that Jesus loves you and it is His desire to see you finish well. So, what are you waiting for, start talking to Him now.

--Pastor Cheng