ONE: FCA Reading Plan For CompetitorsНамуна

Finish

By Sarah Roberts

READY:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.” – 2 Timothy 4:7

SET:

In 1968, a marathon runner from Tanzania named John Stephen Akwari entered the Olympic Games in Mexico. As Tanzania’s only athlete in the Games, he was their hero. Unfortunately, about halfway through his race, Akwari took a horrible fall and messed up his knee. Still, he pulled himself together, got up and started hobbling. 

During the marathon in the Olympics, the runners always finish the race in track and field arena. That day, Akwari made his way into the arena in last place. The story had gotten around about his fall and that he was still determined to finish. So once he was done, the news reporters surrounded him. One reporter asked him why he wanted to finish the race, and Akwari replied, “My country did not send me here to start a race. My country sent me here to finish one.” 

Finish. It’s a word used a lot as athletes, but it also signifies the greatest moment in the history of the world. Jesus showed us not only how to live for God but to finish well because of God. In the midst of His greatest pain as He hung on the cross, He managed to utter the words “It is finished.” 

What was finished? The job He was sent to this earth to do. The role He was sent to fulfill. If Jesus didn’t finish what He started during His life, none of us would have the love, hope, strength or ability to finish in ours. God did not send us here to start a practice, a game or a season in life but to finish it. 

GO: 

1. Describe a time you had a hard time finishing a practice, game or season.

2. How does Jesus and the way He finished inspire you as a Christian athlete?

WORKOUT:

Ecclesiastes 7:8

2 Corinthians 8:10-11

OVERTIME:

“Lord, thank You for setting the example regarding how to finish strong. Teach me to finish with passion, energy and integrity.”