Finishing the race with Jesus: A journey of purpose and faith

In the fast-paced world we live in today, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of daily life and lose sight of what truly matters. We often find ourselves chasing after success, wealth and material possessions, believing that these are the things that will bring us happiness and fulfillment.

But in the midst of this pursuit, we often forget the ultimate purpose of our lives – to finish our course with Jesus. In Acts 20:24, the Apostle Paul provides us with a powerful reminder of this purpose.

He says, “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”

Paul’s words resonate deeply with the core of our faith journey. He emphasizes the idea that our lives find their true value and meaning when we walk the course that Jesus has set before us, and when we faithfully fulfill the ministry He has entrusted to us.

Let’s explore what it means to finish our course with Jesus and how we can apply this principle in our lives today.

Each one of us has a unique and special purpose that God has designed for us. Just as Paul had a specific ministry to testify to the gospel of the grace of God, we too have a purpose that is intricately tied to our gifts, talents and passions.

Discovering and embracing this purpose is the first step in finishing our course with Jesus.

Paul’s journey was not without its challenges and trials, and neither is ours. Finishing our course with Jesus means persevering through life’s difficulties with unwavering faith.

It means trusting that God is in control, even when circumstances seem dire. It means leaning on Him for strength and guidance when we feel weak and lost.

In a world that often prioritizes temporal success, it’s essential to keep our focus on eternal values. Finishing our course with Jesus requires us to invest in things that have lasting significance – love, kindness, compassion and spreading the message of God’s grace.

When we prioritize these values, we align ourselves with God’s plan for our lives.

Paul didn’t journey alone; he had a community of believers who supported him in his mission. Likewise, we should seek to build a strong community of faith that encourages and uplifts us in our walk with Jesus.

Surrounding ourselves with fellow believers can provide the accountability and support we need to stay on course.

To finish our course with Jesus, we must stay rooted in prayer and God’s Word. These are the tools that empower us to navigate life’s challenges and stay connected to our purpose.

Regular prayer and Bible study enable us to discern God’s guidance and receive the strength we need to keep moving forward.

Acts 20:24 serves as a powerful reminder of our ultimate purpose – to finish our course with Jesus. Embracing our unique purpose, persevering through challenges, prioritizing eternal values, building a community of faith and staying rooted in prayer and God’s Word are essential steps on this journey.

As we commit to living out this purpose, we discover a deeper sense of fulfillment and joy, drawing us closer to Jesus and inspiring those around us to do the same. So, let us run the race with perseverance, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2), and finish our course with Him.

Adam White is the Senior Pastor of New Beginning Assembly in Port St. Joe, FL, and is Ordained through the Assemblies of God. Email him at [email protected].