The Finish Line

Holler!

For the past few DEVOs we have been featuring Ernie and the Ironman competition he participated in.  We have talked about his preparation, struggle, and effort; the only thing left to do is see if he crossed the finish line. 

His wife, Maggie, and the rest of us squirmed and squished our way through the throngs of other anxious friends and family hoping to get a glimpse of their loved one crossing the finish line. We all speculated as to what condition he would be in.  Would he be crawling? Walking? Lightly jogging? Throwing up? NONE OF THOSE! We spotted him as he was close to the end, and he was pumped up.  He ran right through the arch where the race ended and straight into Maggie's arms. A video camera was rolling, flash photography captured the exhilarating moment, and husband and wife exchanged a sweet sweaty kiss.  The kids huddled around their exhausted but happy dad, and amazingly Ernie stayed on his feet.    

Afterward, Ernie had a lot to say.  Some of it was scary to learn, and some of it was funny.  (At one point he needed to use the bathroom and did so while riding the bike.  Let's just say he wound up contaminating his drinking supply). Nevertheless, Ernie finished and he had the fatigue and battle scars to prove it, but he also had joy!  Kind of like the lives we all live.        

Some days are harder than others, and we feel like we have had the breath kicked out of us. We wonder if we will make it.  Other days are perfectly glorious, and we round each and every corner with a huge smile on our face.  But no matter what, there are two truths to keep in mind: Jesus is with us each step of the way, and just like Ernie, we will cross the finish line. 

2 Timothy 4:7

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
 

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, We are so glad to know You are with us all the time.  Remind us of this when we are struggling to breathe.  Help us to be grateful when our days are marked with nothing but happiness.  Help us to fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith! Most of all, thank You that the best is yet to come.  In Jesus' name, Amen!