Matt 25:23 … “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
Today’s Upper Room devotional was entitled “Finishing Well,” and the title itself captured me immediately. We are finishing things all the time—a task, a day, a goal. In education, we finish 9 weeks, semesters, careers. I was just talking to my seniors yesterday about remembering why they have persevered this long so they could finish strong after Spring Break.
Phil 3:14 I press on toward the goal….
For me, there is so much involved in finishing well, finishing strong. Remembering why I’m doing what I’m doing is certainly important. Tapping into my support system for encouragement is definitely vital. But the crucial element for me is remembering whose I am and why I’m here. My life is not my own. My Savior has a plan for me, things I am uniquely suited to do, people I am uniquely suited to reach. Remembering that fact allows me, in the midst of frustration and despair to say, “Lord, I feel like an utter failure, like everything I’ve tried to do has failed, but I know You have a purpose for me in this situation. Help me fulfill Your purpose, Lord. Use me to accomplish Your will even if I don’t understand.” Thank You, Jesus.
Gal 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Lord, Thank You for this day and for Your unique purpose for each of us. Help us, even when we are exhausted, frustrated, afraid, to finish well, to finish strong, the work You have given us to do. Draw us closer, Lord. Renew our strength. Amen.
Heb 12:1 …And let us run with endurance the race God had set before us.
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.