Complete the Course

It was a cold winter morning. We were gathered outside in the early morning air. We waited anxiously for the formation to be called to attention; standing there shivering in thin sweat pants and a light jacket. While we were waiting the question traveled through the crowd, "How far are we running this morning?" One person would say, "I heard two miles." Another would chime in, "I heard five." No one really knew. All we could be assured of is that once we started we were expected to finish. It did not matter how far the finish line was from the starting point. A soldier is expected to complete the course regardless of the terrain or distance. Soon the company is called to attention. The instruction is given to turn, "right, face." And the run begins. With great anticipation we watch the turns and route choices to figure out how far we are going and as a result how long we will have to endure the climate before we return to the warmth of a shower and clothing more suitable for the temperature. Down the street towards the front of the post we go. If we turn left the only destination is off post into the streets of Mannheim to return 30 to 45 minutes later. If we turn right it is only a short time compared to the alternative. Fifteen minutes at the most. We follow the direction of the Sergeant in charge listening to the cadence and singing along to distract us from the conditions in under which we are subjected. We carry on only to pursue the finish at this point because there was no looking back.

Much of our Christian journey is marred by the questions, Where? When? How long? Regardless of the place, season or length of time we are encouraged to complete the course (Acts 20:24). Today we face a trial that has never been seen before, but we do know there is a finish line. The soldier is encouraged to look forward to an objective (Phil. 3:13). When that is done he is then expected to use his energy and apply his effort towards meeting that objective thereby bringing his course to completion (1Cor. 9:26-27). Believers have one goal. That goal is to get to the place in God that has been established in Christ Jesus, Heaven. We strive to be in His presence; having peace with God our Father which is obtained through Jesus' shed blood. This we know can only be done through faith. That is mark the Apostle Paul set before himself. That is the goal he placed before those who ran as he encouraged them to turn towards Christ and pursue the finish line of Heaven. The cadence of the Preached Word and the melodic sounds of the promises of God are enough to distract us from the conditions under which we exercise our faith. If we have repented of our sins and applied our hearts to faith, keep running. The end is nearer than it has ever been (Rom. 13:11). He is able to give the strength and endurance to complete the course He predestines for us all.