How we see our lives in relation to God’s work in this world has a lot to do with how we finish our race for Jesus. It is a race toward a finish line and if you are a Jesus follower you are running that race. However, it is possible for us to forget that we are in that race and instead simply focus on our concerns and what Jesus calls the cares and concerns of the world.

As Christ followers, we don’t live for ourselves but for Jesus. Toward the end of his life, Paul knew that God wanted him to go to Jerusalem. He also had the sense from Jesus that he would suffer for his faith there. In Acts 20 we have a poignant scene as Paul said farewell to the Ephesian elders who had come to see him on his journey at Miletus. This was part of his farewell message to the elders.

“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”

One of the marks of Paul’s life was his commitment to follow Jesus wherever He led him. He is on his way to Jerusalem and he has been warned that prison and hardships are facing him. That did not deter him. Rather, he makes this amazing statement: “I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”

Paul understood that his life did not belong to him. He had been bought by Jesus through His death and resurrection. He had been bought with the price of the blood of Jesus. He also knew that he was running a race for Jesus and his goal was to complete the work God had given him. 

Have you considered the fact that your life does not belong to you and that you are running a race for Jesus? Do you know what it is that God wants you to accomplish in your life? If not, why not ask Him. He will show you if you ask. Remember what Paul said in Ephesians 2:10. “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Each of us has a task He wants us to complete. These are called good works which God prepared for us as we serve Him. 

How are you doing in your race? Are you focused on your own concerns or God’s? Are you asking Him to direct your steps as Paul did or are you directing your own steps? Can you trust Him in times of trouble and hardship or do you want a life of ease? You are running a race. The thing we need to consider is whether it is our race or God’s. 

Father, thank you for the reminder that I am running a race for you. Help me to understand the work you have for me and empower me by your Spirit to finish the race well. I want to be able to say like Paul that “my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me.” Amen.