1 Corinthians 9:24-27 , 2 Timothy 4:7

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

This is probably one of the most difficult concepts for college kids to grasp. Finishing strong is exhausting. When our eyes are too heavy to keep open, our feet drag and coffee is our lifeline, it’s hard for us to give it our all.

The Bible talks a lot about finishing races and fighting the good fight. 2 Timothy 4:7 says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

We usually skip right to that part. But getting to the finish line calls for endurance, pain, struggle, practice and everything else that goes into running a race strong. But what we run towards is not just finishing school or completing and passing of finals. It is for eternity.

We work in this life to bring glory to God and that is not something that is limited. It is forever. When we are able to grasp, if just a little bit, the glory that God deserves, we want to do nothing more than spend our days glorifying Him.

We chase after things of temporary value. But when we are in Christ and when we are able to see the eternal value of our work on Earth, we need to have self-discipline when finishing the race.

So as we finish off this school year, as we are getting fatigued with life and overwhelmed, remember and hold true to the value of eternal things found in Jesus Christ.

Finish strong, GCU!