Lent Reflection, Day 25, March 29

He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Colossians 1:13-14

Additional Reading: Hebrews 12:1-3

Perhaps this season we can see, as individuals forming this community, what it means to live in light of the fact that someday Jesus will return to take us to be with Him forever …

We’re reminded by Paul in Philippians 3:14 that we are all in a race, pressing on toward the goal, to win the prize that God has for us in heaven. I’ve been thinking lately that much of my life is spent in the pit stops instead of actually running the race. Much of my life is spent already in the comforts and rewards. When I really consider that Jesus will return again, it makes me want to tie on my shoes and go! It makes me want to make sure I am hearing from Him daily, and that I am serious about the things He is serous about.

One of the difficulties with running a marathon is that you can’t see the end from the starting line. The gun goes off and the great river of runners carries everyone along, as they all set out with an enormous amount of enthusiasm. Before long, however, the experienced ones spread out and find their pace determined to hold it to the end. The cheering of those who are watching and supplying water is an amazing encouragement, but the real strength comes for keeping the end in view. Knowing one’s pace and the ability to run a consistent, calculated, speed is critical. To keep one’s eyes fixed on the race, as a whole, is vital in avoiding the danger of using up all one’s steam in the first half.

If we are to run the spiritual race of life, we must fix our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfector of our faith. The error we might make is to calculate our own pace, taking life as it comes in our own strength and living by our own designs. As we focus on Jesus, we can take comfort in these verses that He is the “Author” and “Perfector” of our faith.

He is the one who writes and authors the story of faith in the race of my life. He is the one who takes that seed of faith, placed there with His own hand, and writes the script so that I can finish the race. And so I will fix my eyes on Him and ask Him to produce this life-changing faith in my life.

Prayer: O God, I am so aware of my inability to run this spiritual marathon. Gently draw my attention to You. Focus my eyes on Jesus, Your Son, in order to know by experience the story of faith You are writing in my life. Please produce the character and priorities of my coach and example, Jesus, in my life. I love you! Amen.