FOLLOW THROUGH

The Apostle Paul was an amazing man of God!  For instance, he "served the Lord with all HUMILITY" (Unselfish concern for the welfare of others.  Total absence of arrogance, conceit, and haughtiness).  The ONE thing he had on his heart was to serve the Lord!  He had a tough race to run in life--filled with many obstacles, tribulation and persecution, along with a disturbing "thorn in the flesh."  Yet he said this:  "But none of these things move me"...I just want to "finish my race with joy!"  On top of all that, he knew-that-he-knew that he had to leave the people he loved to go "bound" to Jerusalem.  In other words, he was going to be put in prison (again)--and, eventually, put to death!  Yet, he went!  He FOLLOWED THROUGH with what God asked him to do!  

I believe that the majority of  Christians do what they want to do....not what God's asked them to do!  Nor do they complete the work God's called them to do.

As we "mature" in Christ--grow in love and grace--our assignments become more challenging.  He promotes us from the "minor leagues" to the "majors!"  More is expected...more is required of us.  Remember what Jesus required of  Peter?  He was to feed His sheep and tend His flocks  (shepherd the flock of believers)....and, He even told him how he would die (hanging upside down on a cross)!  Yet Peter FOLLOWED THROUGH with his assignment (calling). 

 I Corinthians 9:24-27 Paul adds this:  "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize?  Run in such a way that you may obtain it....I discipline my body...lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified!"

Don't be a DROP OUT...don't be a QUITTER...be a FINISHER!  It's easy to start running with Jesus, but it takes a lot of faith, courage, and endurance to finish with Him.  The Lord wants you to go with Him ALL THE WAY to the finish line...from the beginning  to the end. 

Don't run from Him...run with Him!