RUN TO THE RIBBON

A good start is critical to winning when running a sprint, but in a marathon, every decision along the way must be focused on a strong finish. It is necessary to respect the distance in a long race. A marathoner must run with the end in mind. The apostle Paul compared our life of faith to a marathon in 1 Corinthians 9:24 ESV: “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it”. It is not so much a competition against others; it is a race to finish well. While literally on his deathbed, Costa Deir, one of my precious spiritual fathers, looked like a traffic cop at the center of a jammed intersection. “Please, write this down.” “Send this to Africa,” “Get me the phone.” “Hand me my Bible, please.” He ran to the ribbon. He finished strong. He died as he had lived. Dearest LORD, grant me the strength, wisdom, and endurance to finish fast and strong.