The more I hope to grow as a Christian, the more I realize just how far and long of a journey it can be. These past several years, and more so now that I am active online again, my earnest plea has been that I can end well. It's one thing to start well, but even more challenging to remain consistent and to make it to the finish line. Having Paul's words echo in my mind both spurs me on and intimidates me.
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. - Acts 20:24
In thinking about ending well, I can't help but liken it to a book ending. We all know what an unsatisfying conclusion feels like in a book. Everything is built up until it either crashes or leaves a lackluster feeling that the loose ends aren't tied up or the conclusion isn't what it should be. It's a lot of anticipation, all for something that could be underwhelming at the end or even worse, disappointing.
Hearing about the scandals affecting the evangelical church right now, it's definitely been the latter for me. Things shouldn't be the way they are, and yet, we live in a fallen world as fallen people in need of a Saviour. Perfection won't be the answer until Jesus makes all things new. Yet, it's such a heartbreaking ending when families break down, church members are betrayed, and the witness of the Gospel is tarnished.
It's easy to succumb to the thought that this could be the end, where for some, it actually is. For others, there is still the desire that repentance will generate a new arc in the story. I may not know how long my story is, but I remain hopeful that my Author will take the story where He wants to go. What is required is my obedience and surrender in this journey, which is sometimes a very aspirational goal. Even if I want to be able to state the following one day, I know that it is not an easy road.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. - 2 Timothy 4:7-8
As I walk with God each day, I am praying that I can finish well and that my story can point back to Him. My days are short and I need to make the most of them, but I do not walk alone. I don't want my story to be discarded one day, put aside because of how it ends. Instead, I want the ending to bring sense and meaning to all of the trials and turns I've had to take in life, pointing back to God as a testimony of His faithfulness.
These days, I am reminding myself to keep reading on and to keep walking on. My prayer is that I not only end well, but that I continue well so that at the end of life, it'll be the natural and inevitable conclusion.
“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. - John 4:34
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