Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Heb 12:1-2 ESV)

The finish-line can be a beautiful thing. Anyone who has competed throughout this life knows the comfort that’s experienced when the finish-line is crossed. At that point the struggle to achieve is but a memory, though sometimes the effects from such a battle can linger. But the battle won will never be diminished by a few aches and pains that may follow.

In the days, weeks, and months to come I know I’ll experience the fallout of the marathon I just completed. There will be some low points to wade through, and there will also be some highs to balance things out, but that’s the nature of our journey, isn’t it?

We race down the mountain with our hands up in the air, screaming in exhilaration and delight as we careen down dangerously and sometimes irresponsibly into the valley below. It’s like an emotional rollercoaster ride that wildly drops us down and then pulls us back up again. We find ourselves thrown from side to side, forward and back, all the while trusting that we’re safe and secure in our protected seats.

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do; forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Phil 3:12-14 ESV)

Regardless of the emotional swings we march on. We march on because that’s who we are. We’re children of God. The same childlike enthusiasm that drives us back onto that rollercoaster drives us forward to reach the prize. The spiritual rollercoaster of our life whips us around and can take our breath away as we drop from great heights into the darkest of valleys. But we know we’re safe, we know that we’re watched over, and we know that we’re always safely secured in His arms.

I’ll be pressing on in the days to come. I’ll be continuing on my lifelong journey to accomplish His will for me.

There is a final finish-line in my future and it’s toward that end that I’ll strain to reach His goal for me.

Do not be anxious, about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Phil 4:6 ESV)

Confidently I can walk the path set before me, because my Father has heard my prayer, He knows my name, and He knows my grateful heart.

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Phil 4:13 ESV)

Pray on,

Eddy