Finishing the Race
““I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing””
As we embark on the final month of the school year there is genuine fatigue and weariness. Nine months of school, homework, practices, studying, striving, and toil exacts a toll from the students and the staff. With summer right around the corner there is also a keen sense of anticipation that the finish line is close.
In Paul’s words above, we see a man who could say at the end of his life that he had faithfully carried out the calling that the Lord had placed upon him. He didn’t say that he came in first place or that he won every battle, but he reminded Timothy that he “finished” what he started. Paul’s entire ministry career was littered with victories and incredible hardships. Paul participated in revivals and extraordinary healings. He also incited riots, experienced a myriad of horrible beatings, faced incarceration, and was in the ever-present threats of injury and death.
Along their educational journey our students and staff have experienced their own victories and struggles. There have been days of academic success and days of hardship … times of relational joy and conflict … days full of joy and darkness. All of these ups and downs have been part of the academic “race” during the school year.
Now, as our school draws closer to the end of the 2018-19 year please pray for the grace, courage, and strength for each staff member and student to “fight the fight” and “finish the race.” Our seniors, in particular, are close to the end of high school. Pray for wisdom and direction for life beyond Restoration Academy. They are concluding one race and about to start another one. For everyone, pray that they will experience the love and grace of Jesus as He draws them unto Himself and to the end of another year.