“Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride.”
– Ecclesiastes 7:8 NLT

“In my search for wisdom and in my observation of people’s burdens here on earth, I discovered that there is ceaseless activity, day and night.”

During the first week of our summer break this year, I read these verses in Ecclesiastes. I was reminded again that it’s the finish line that really matters. Nobody really celebrates your start; you don’t get a trophy or medal for that. What is celebrated and rewarded is what happens at the finish line.

There is a moment coming when you and I will stand before the Lord. It is at this ultimate finish line that we want to hear the words, “Well done!” I want to finish strong, I want to be faithful with what I’ve been given today, I want to be dependable, reliable, a person whose life is clean and ready for every good work. This is what I want for you, too, my friend.

It is the little choices you make every day that lead you
to a celebration at the finish line!

While you are on your journey, running your race, here is something to guard against—ceaseless activity. Part of your race includes a regular rest from ceaseless activity. When I read those words, “ceaseless activity,” I thought, that sounds like my life. While I know God has wired me for action, results, and to move at a fast pace, I’m also aware that God has created me to need rest, to pause, to be refreshed… and the Lord has made you the same way.

So I pray for you today, my friend, that your race includes some rest. That the Great Shepherd of your soul will lead you to times of rest and refreshing in His presence. I pray that you run your race with purpose in every step and that we all can enjoy hearing those words from the Father – “Well Done!”