There are so many races we run during a lifetime. With the Olympics taking place there is a race for the gold medal. When we study hard for a difficult test, we’re running to reach a goal. When we risk something in order to achieve something greater, we’re putting ourselves in one challenging situation after another. Life is full of crud. We go through hell on a daily basis. We see changes occurring all around us. The race we started is full of detours and roadblocks which deter us from reaching the final goal.

For someone my age you wouldn’t expect me to still be running a race. You’d think the testing had finished. You believe you’ve had your share of stumbles and falls. It’s supposed to be the time in life when you have accomplished all your desires. You’ve run the race. Maybe you’ve had a successful career. You’ve had a good journey and now it’s time for YOU to collect your prize. The race is still running. You haven’t breathed your last. You still have some time left. How will you spend your final days?

Some will take more risks. Some will cross out things on their bucket list. Some might even do something they’ve never done before. Some might choose to spend their final days in front of a TV or computer screen. They may choose to sit in their favorite chair and peacefully fall asleep.

Our final goal is a place unlike anything on this planet. It’s perfect. It’s paradise. There are no tears or sadness – no pain or anxiety – no fear. It seems to me that the minute we give up on the race of life, we’re giving in to death, but there is no fear of death for those who believe in God. We may have unfinished business waiting to be finished. We may fear for those we’re leaving behind. We might think we can control our destiny. God has numbered our days. We can be sure that He is in control of everything – even our final breath. There is great satisfaction in that knowledge.

Winston Churchill was in the midst of a horrific war when he spoke the words, “Never, never give up.” We’re in a battle which requires perseverance and determination. The only way to win is to trust in your Creator to get you to the finish line and push you through it. He will. Ask Him.