Run To Win!

August 13, 2020

Run To Win!

I don’t quit!  I don’t quit because I am tired.  I don’t quit because I am sick!  I don’t quit because I am sick and tired! 

My parents had to work long and hard hours to make a living.  When I was growing up, the money often just barely made it to the end of the month.  My father would work longer hours.  My mother would take on another job.  My parents taught me to never quit.

I was about 12 years old when I wanted to quit Scouting.  I did not have any friends in the troop, the adults were kind of scary, and I would rather stay home and play football with my friends. 

But, my mother did not believe in quitting.  I remember that she sat down with me on the edge of my bed.  She listened as I explained why I did not want to go to the next meeting.  Then, she rather matter-of-factly negotiated a deal with me.  “If you try it three more times and still do not like it, you can quit.  It will be OK.”

My mother was so smart…and she was not a quitter.  I went back to the Scout meeting that evening and almost every Monday evening for the next five years.  I ended up being the first boy in the troop to earn Scouting’s highest award, “Eagle Scout.”

I don’t quit!  I run to win and I run hard!  I want to finish strong in my work, in my family, and with Jesus.  Most of not quitting is about having a clear vision of the finish line and a sharp focus on the next step. 

I know a couple of high school students who are cross country runners.  They are good…very good!  I have been to a couple of their meets to watch them run.  These two young men have taught me about the importance of not quitting.  They remind me to keep a clear vision of the finish line and a sharp focus on the next step.  They inspire me in my work and in my life!

It’s easy to get all excited at the beginning and then fizzle out part way through a project, a goal, or life.  The pressure mounts up and the responsibilities weigh down; quitting begins to feel like a real option.  The disappointment steals the joy and the defeat robs the hope; quitting seems like a good choice.  Along the way to a God-sized dream we can fizzle out…we quit.

I wonder if a young pastor named Timothy was starting to fizzle out.  It would not be difficult to imagine that he was thinking about quitting his work as a pastor of a church.  His mentor, the Apostle Paul, knew that quitting would be an easy way out for Timothy. 

Paul responds by writing Timothy a letter.  In II Timothy 4:7 Paul writes; “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”  Paul encourages Timothy to keep fighting, to finish the race, and to keep his faith in Jesus.  Keep running and run to win!

Jesus wants you to finish what He has called you to start.  Jesus gave you the dream, Jesus gave you the desire, Jesus gave you the strength.  Now, Jesus wants you to finish.  I know it’s tough.  I know there is resistance.  I know you feel discouraged and maybe even defeated. 

But, don’t quit.  Paul says, “I have finished the race.”  One day you can join Paul and Timothy and even Jesus on the team that does not quit when things are uncertain or just plain tough. 

Jesus is our example.  Jesus suffered more than most of us could ever imagine.  When death was imminent Jesus did not quit on showing us His love.  He crossed the finish line and in His last breath uttered three words; “It is finished!”  Jesus did not quit on you!

There is help and healing on the way.  There is blessings and breakthroughs on the way.  There is strength and courage on the way.  If you do not quit what Jesus has called you to do, Jesus will provide everything you need to finish the race.

Jesus did not quit on you.  Now, don’t quit on Jesus.  Run to win with your hand in Jesus’ hand.  The day will come when you finish the race.  On that day, you will take delight in the Lord and give Jesus all your praise.

Take Delight In The Lord!

Doug