In 1973, a horse named Secretariat became a legend in his time. Not only did Secretariat win the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, but he did it with an unprecedented performance. At the Belmont Stakes, he not only won the race by 31 lengths, but he set new records along the way as he went faster with each phase of the run. For 1.5 miles, that famous thoroughbred ran faster every second. Secretariat was accelerating at such an incredible pace that his trainer noted if the race had been extended another lap, his heart would have literally exploded. It is always tempting to settle in to status quo performance, but the greatest joy is found in straining ahead to not just finish, but to finish well (2 Timothy 4:7). Source: "Retirement or Refirement", a sermon by Max Lucado
We are all running a race on this earth. It is the race of daily living as we navigate our families, marriages, workplaces, friendships, personal struggles, and personal victories. We must finish the race well. To run the race well, we must think beyond what we can see. When a person lines up at the starting line for a longer race, he cannot see the finish line – but that is all he can think about! Let’s take a look at what is at the finish line for the church.
John 14:1-3 - GOD HAS NOT FORGOTTEN ME
“To look at the window . . .as I did that first day . . . to look out at this kind of creation and not believe in God is to me impossible.”
—John Glenn, speaking about his view of the Earth from the space shuttle Discovery. Source: World Magazine.
Whether or not you believe there is a God…there is. Whether or not you believe God created the world…He did. Whether or not you believe God considers your existence…He does. Whether or not you believe God is sustaining you, comforting you, and not forsaking you…He is (Ps. 8:3-9)! Daniel was in the lion’s den, Jonah was inside a large fish, and Joseph was sold as a slave who was falsely accused and thrown into jail – but this does not mean God has forgotten them. Hard times do not automatically mean God is absent. The problem is not that God has forgotten me…the problem is that we often forget God. Look at the reassurances in John 14 that God has not forgotten us:
v. 1 - Jesus is my comfort
v. 2 - Jesus is preparing for my arrival
v. 3 - Jesus is thinking of me…he has not forgotten me
Revelation 21:4 - GOD HAS A PLAN FOR ME
God’s compassion – “wipe away all tears”
God’s provision – “no more death”
God’s completion – “no more sorrow, crying, pain”
I Cor. 15:54-57 - GOD PROVIDED MY VICTORY
Death is actually victory with eternal gain!
So why would I want to finish well?
1. Since the perfect creator God hasn’t forgotten me….
2. Since God who knows everything about me -- still loves me…
3. Since God provided my ultimate victory in heaven…
Why wouldn’t I want to finish well for Him?
I believe the struggle is in most often in our thoughts. We are not thinking right when making wrong choices. Sometimes it just helps to say the truth out loud. Let’s look at 4 truths that impact how we approach the distant finish line in the here and now. Say this aloud with me:
1. God’s Word is truth
“…hath God said?” (Genesis 3:1) Yes! He has! We know this – but we often live as though we don’t believe it! We make choices that seem to say: “God doesn’t care about that sin” … “God doesn’t see that sin” … “God won’t make me accountable for that sin at the judgement seat of Christ.” God’s Word (the truth) does not speak only of judgment. We should also not lose sight of the overwhelming love of God, the grace of God, and the mercy of God showered on us each day! The Bible does not change just as God does not change (Ps. 119:89; Heb. 13:8; James 1:17). The Bible does not contradict itself just as God does not contradict Himself. The Bible is powerful, convicting, encouraging, and discerning (Heb. 4:12). Settle this in your heart and mind once and for all today – the Bible is the standard of truth.
2. Satan is a liar
John 8:44 – “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.”
II Cor. 11:14-15 – “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
3. Sin is a big deal
Hebrews 9:22 – “without the shedding of blood is no remission.”
II Cor. 5:21 – “He was made sin for us, who knew no sin…”
4. God loves me with eternal love!
An October 2023 Barna poll indicated that 76% of Americans believed in Heaven and 71% believed in Hell. Of those who believe in Heaven only 43% believe they are heaven bound because they have confessed their sins and accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. 15% believe they are heaven bound because they keep the 10 commandments or that they are basically a good person. 6% believe they are heaven bound because they believe God loves all people and He would not allow any to perish (Source: Barna.com, October 21, 2023). If you hear nothing else today, but you hear and comprehend this next statement, you will have gained immeasurable truth from this post! The one true creator God, who spoke the universe into existence, and who knows every last detail about your deepest thoughts and private actions, chose to take the penalty for your sin in your place! That is how much God loves us!
John 3:16 - ““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should no perish, but have everlasting life.”
I Peter 2:21 - “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:”
Derek Redmond was a great runner, but he was an even greater finisher. Derek will be forever remembered for his staggering performance in the 400-meter men’s semifinals during the summer Olympics of 1992 in Barcelona, Spain.
After years of training, persistence, and self-discipline, Derek was competing on the world stage. His dream had become a reality. Halfway through his 400 meter race, Derek pulled a hamstring muscle and collapsed on the track. Writhing in pain, he watched the other runners quickly pass him and his dream of winning die, but staying down wasn’t in Derek’s blood. Though winning was out of the question, finishing wasn’t.
As the medical crew arrived with a stretcher, Derek said, “There’s no way I’m getting on that stretcher. I’m going to finish my race.”
In a stadium packed with 65 thousand fans and with millions viewing around the world, Derek slowly struggled to his feet. In spite of the agonizing pain, he began hobbling towards the finish line in last place. Tears streamed down his face as his heart filled with disappointment. Yet, he was determined to finish the race.
At that point, a large man from the top row of the stands began to run towards the track. It was Tim Redmond, Derek’s father, disregarding security guards, running over people, determined that no one would stop him, he ran to his son’s side. At first Derek tried to push him away, not realizing it was his father. He thought someone was trying to get him to quit the race.
“Derek it’s me.”
Recognizing that familiar voice Derek said, “Dad, I have to finish the race.”
“If you’re gonna finish the race, then we’ll finish it together.” With those words, his father took his son in his arms, and together they began to hobble down the track. By this time, the other runners had completed the race, and the crowd realized that Derek wasn’t hobbling off the track, but rather he was hobbling towards the finish line on one leg with his father at his side. In total disbelief, 65,000 fans stood to their feet and began to cheer. The roar of the crowd increased with every painful step.
Approaching the finish line, Jim Redmond stepped aside to allow Derek to cross by himself. The crowd exploded into thunderous applause and emotional release. Derek collapsed in his father’s embrace, and both wept on each other’s shoulders, along with 65,000 fans and millions of viewers. Derek had finished a race the world would never forget. (Source: Life Quest, Cary Schmidt)
If you are a believer, you have crossed the starting line. Till the Lord comes for us all or He chooses to take you home to heaven, run the race – finish the race well!