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Daily Recharge
Mal Fletcher
Finishing Well
05 February 2025
Acts 20:24-25 'However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-- the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.'(NIV)
The apostle Paul finished his race; he completed the task for which God had called him. If you read through this chapter, you will find that Paul's life illustrates at least four things we need to do if we are to finish our course. The first is total commitment. Sometimes, we have so many things going on in our lives that we lose sight of the one purpose for which God entered our name in the race. Once God has called you to something, you need to see it through without compromise or distraction. To finish the race, we need to also recognise that ministry comes in stages. Paul and Barnabus are good examples of this. In Acts 11:25, they completed the first stage of their God-given ministry. Then, in Acts 13:1 the Holy Spirit opened up stage two. Whatever stage you're at right now, don't give in, keep pressing on until you complete that task. Then God will open up new opportunities for you. Finally, to finish the race requires that we remember what's ahead. We're not running for nothing. There is a reward in store for us. God doesn't forget or ignore what we do for him. On the hard days, we need to remember that. Keep running!
Prayer: 'Lord, please help me to finish my race with distinction. I thank you that there is a reward waiting for me at the end of the race. Help me to discover and then stay totally committed to the central purpose for which I was called.'
© Mal Fletcher 2003-2004
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