Finish Line Faith

FINISH LINE FAITH

Philippians 3:13-14

Longtime pastor of Moody Bible Church, Dr. Erwin Lutser, airs a radio program

called Running to Win with emphasis on Making It Across The Finish Line.

One would think that one goal of every born again child of God would be to,

indeed, make it across the finish line to be with Jesus where He is. Now, it

is not by works of righteousness which we will have done, but by Christ's

tender mercies and His grace that we will be with Him (Titus 3:5).

The Christians' part is to ever stay close to the Lord and grow in His grace

and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

This meager treatise hopes to share some insights to achieving and maintaining

"Finish Line Faith [Hebrews 11:1, 6]." Please note that diligence is one key.

THE SPORTS SCENE EXAMPLE

In examining the world of professional athletes, it is noted that not everyone

on the team is a superstar. A player may play all season long for that one

moment of glory; yet, every member of the team is expected to be great

at the fundamentals.

One requirement for living successfully as a Christian is found in a constant

daily productive routine.

CONSISTENT FAITH (being steady and regular)

Often we seek experiences to boost beyond the normal Christian experience.

A particular fast, a special worship service, or a great revival seems to be

needed for the saint to "carry on." These things are good in their place. Even

the psalmist said, "Wilt Thou revive us again (Psalm 85:6)?" Each unique

experience can potentially bring us closer to God. Thank God for these, but

consistency takes us to the finish line.

Moments of grandeur come and go, but consistent stability gains ground every day.

Others may not say anything to you, but they cannot help but take notice that you

have been with Jesus (Acts 4:13).

(Illustration) In the high school I attended there was a football and track athlete who

did not train very much; yet, on contest days he would give great bursts of energy.

The question I had was, "How really outstanding could he have been if he had trained

regularly?"

We do live in a challenge-filled world. The knowledge that God can use each challenge

to strengthen our lives should compel us to be consistent in our faith. That knowledge

should keep us on the firing line. Do you remember the Hymn "Keep On The Firing

Line?"

Please remember that we are not ignorant of Satan's devices (2 Corinthians 2:11).

As if daily living in this challenge-filled world is not enough; here comes Satanic

influence to perpetrate lies to discourage. Two of them are: "You are going under

because of bills coming due that you do not have the funds to pay." "The children

are going to become sick and cost you expensive medical bills?"

The spiritual warfare becomes more focused when friends misinterpret us.

Hope begins to fade and priorities have a tendency to get our of order.

Yes, there might be too much month left at the end of the money, but

we still must continue to fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12).

FAITH WHILE IN THE FLOOD

Flood damage can be annoying at least and devastating in its full fury.

The psalmist had a handle on dealing with the floods in our lives. He recounted some of Israel's history. (Psalm 66: 6, 12) "He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him. Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads;

we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place."

We may ask, "Why through the flood instead of around it or over it?" One answer is found in Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Secondly, We are more important to God than the circumstances which He already controls. He wants to have us yielded to His control as well. Third, The floods in our lives represent times of cleansing.

FAITH WHILE IN THE FIRE

Daniel 3: 19-20 (NKJV), "Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. He spoke and commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated. And he commanded certain mighty men of valor who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, and cast them into the burning fiery furnace."

As consideration was given to why go through the flood; let us also consider why go through the fire: We are aware that fire is used to fuse things together. As with the physical; so, the spiritual. The fire caused the Hebrew Three to stick together (be there for each other). Also, it caused them to cling, with greater intensity, to their faith in God.