2Ti 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
I like sports. Be it football, basketball, volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, or anything else that includes activity and competition, I'm right in the middle of it. Unfortunately, I am rarely ever the highest jumper on the court, nor do I have a vast knowledge of coverage schemes or how to execute a "pick-and-roll", I don't have the strongest hands, quickest acceleration or most endurance. Because of all of this, when I play with people who don't know me well, I'm usually not one of the first people picked. However, I have decided that whatever I lack in athleticism or knowledge I will make up in effort and perseverance and it usually doesn't take long before everyone in the game has recognized that I'm giving 100%. Because of all of this, I expect the same from everyone else on my team, I don't expect you to be Joe Montana or Michael Jordan, just to give it everything you've got, never give up on a play, and if you get beat on a play to line it up and run it again with maximum effort.
So all of this got me to thinking, do I take the same approach to my daily walk with God as I do in a frivolous game? Am I as determined to get up and "run it again" when I've been "beaten on a play" by Satan or my flesh? Do others around me respect me because in spite of the fact that I'm not the most versed theologian or experienced christian, I only fall because I'm running so hard, and never stay down for long? Paul said toward the end of his life that he had fought a good fight and finished his race. Not that he had never been punched in the face, but that when he did he kept fighting; not that he had never tripped, but that when he did he got up and kept running. I am so frail, so weak, and so unstable, but never let it be said of me that I am apathetic or a quitter. By God's grace I'll lean on Christ's finished work and "play till the whistle blows".
Pro 24:16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
