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Finish Strong

Sarah Roberts

Ready:

“Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving.” 2 Corinthians 8:11

Set:

While competing in the 1968 Olympic marathon in Mexico City, John Stephen Akhwari cramped up due to the high altitude of the city. He had not trained at such an altitude in his country of Tanzania. About half way in the race, he collided with some other runners, fell, and dislocated his knee. He, however, continued running, finishing last among the 57 competitors who completed the race. With only a few thousand people left in the stadium, a television crew was sent when word was received that one more runner about to finish.

As he finally crossed the finish line a cheer came from the small crowd. When interviewed later and asked why he continued running, he said, "My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race. They sent me 5,000 miles to finish the race.”

As an athletic competitor, John Stephen Ahkwari showed us what it means to finish strong in our competitive arenas. As Christians, Jesus showed us what it means to finish strong in this race called life. After being beaten so badly He hardly resembled a man anymore and nailed to a cross, Jesus uttered the words, “It is finished.” The race set out before Him, to die a painful death so that we could live a purposeful life, was finished. God never said this race would be easy, but He does promise, it will be worth it. God did not send us here to start the race of a Christian Athlete but to finish it…finish it strong. 

Go: 

1. As an athlete, how are you competing in your sport? With passion? Lazy?

2. As a Christian athlete, how are you doing in your faith? All-in? Half-hearted?

3. What are some obstacles in your life keep you from finishing strong the race God has for you?

Overtime:

God, help me finish strong. I need You and your strength.