It's a Race To the Finish

I just got through listening to end of the race at Bristol Motor Speedway. The radio announcers know how to keep you tuned in and on the edge of your seat. There is a phrase they use in almost every race that for whatever reason caught my attention today. With thousands of listeners tuned in with their own special way they expressed, "Fans it's a race to the finish." I thought what a fitting statement for the world of racing but also for the church. Indeed it is a "race to the finish." With everything we have happening around us, we must fight for the finish. In the world of racing finishing and winning requires several things. It takes an experienced pit crew giving instructions; the proper amount of fuel in the tank; good tires; in certain races a draft partner; but most of all it takes focus on the part of the driver. When you think about it, these are the ingredients it takes to win the spiritual race. The writer of Hebrews must have attended one of the chariot races of his day, and although they used horses and Nascar horsepower the similarities cannot be overlooked. With this in mind, we read the author's admonition "and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith." Undeniably, the signs predicting that we are in the end times are before us. Knowing this, we must stay fueled up with the power of the Spirit; our feet must have the tread of the gospel; our ears must listen for godly instruction; and most of all we must be patient. In a day when so many are tempted to give up we must remain faithful, for we are in a "race to the finish."