Finish the Race

Well today is the day! Goal date for my Fit at 50 personal challenge. It was seven months ago that I knew I needed to make some lifestyle and health goals and dedicate myself to completing them. I prayed about what those goals should be and how to accomplish them.

The first two months turned out to being more of the same. Excited for the start and then fizzle out when the results didn’t come quickly. Then I realized I was doing the same things I always had but was expecting different results. I do believe that is the definition of insanity.

I have a plaque on my wall that says, “If God calls you to it, He’ll bring you through it.” I truly believe that and I know that He gave me another chance at health and making the needed changes in my lifestyle.

The next five months were very difficult. The holidays were right in the middle and winter weather kept my workouts indoors. But I have to say that the journey was the best part. I was learning dependence on God. When I didn’t want to get out of bed in the morning, He was always there to encourage me and remind me that the prize would be worth every early morning.

When it came to food, He taught me all about food preparation in ways that make cooking a joy again. I experienced His creativity with all types of spices and foods that I had never imagined before. As the weight inched down He was right there to celebrate with me. It wasn’t quick, but it was meaningful. Each lost pound felt like such a victory.

As the challenge comes to a close He has already provided the next steps and I think they are going to be a very fun challenge as well. Exercise through dance! Only God could help my uncoordinated body do that, but I’m looking forward to it. I wouldn’t have been able to even consider it if I hadn’t completed the health challenge first.

I believe that God called me to do my part at becoming healthy. He equipped me with everything that I needed and walked through it with me every step of the way. The results are exciting and I’m blessed to have reached my goals. One of the best parts is the feeling at finishing. So many times I wanted to stop and give up, but the finish line feels amazing.

In church today I came across a verse in Acts 20: 24 (MSG) – ” What matters most to me is to finish what God started: the job the Master Jesus gave me of letting everyone I meet know all about this incredibly extravagant generosity of God.”

This was a response from the apostle Paul who knew he was headed to Jerusalem where the Holy Spirit told him he would experience hard times and imprisonment. His only thought was that he wanted to finish what God started in him.

My challenge was nothing compared to what Paul went through and this verse reminded me that the real prize is Jesus. Whatever we face in this life our goal is to bring glory to God. The journey is to share Him with the world and the prize at the end will be hearing our Lord say, “Well done good and faithful servant.” Lord let me finish the race for you.

My prayer

Father, this journey has been amazing. Being with You every day and learning from You, depending on You and trusting You that it would all be worth it. I believe that on a much larger scale too. Life will be a beautiful journey with You and I will learn about Your character along the way. I pray that I will reach others for You Lord and that they will see You in me. Lord help me to fight the good fight, to finish the race and to keep the faith. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Where does my help come from?

Acts 20:24 (MSG)

“What matters most to me is to finish what God started: the job the Master Jesus gave me of letting everyone I meet know all about this incredibly extravagant generosity of God.”

2 Timothy 4:7

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”