The Finish Line

Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

Hebrews 12:1

It took Edward Gibbon twenty-six years to write The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, thirty-six years for Noah Webster to produce the first edition of the dictionary, and thirty years for the Roman orator Cicero to perfect his public speaking after practicing in front of his friends. That is persistence personified.

The life we live on earth requires the same persistence as we practice for heaven. Why is it so difficult at times to maintain our spiritual growth and press on toward our goal? We get distracted by the world, we get lazy in our effort, and we succumb to a culture that demands immediate gratification rather than appreciates long-term goals.

As Christians, we must challenge ourselves to persistently grow in the Lord and mature in our faith as part of this race we are running. We cannot give up or settle for a mediocre walk with God. Let us persist in our efforts, resting in His arms when we need to, and gaining the strength to continue on from the One who is waiting for us at the finish line.

Never, never, never give up!

WINSTON CHURCHILL