Galatians 3:3 “Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?”
When I read this scripture the topic of finishing well comes to mind. It’s easy to start a race well, but keeping the pace and finishing well takes more effort. This honestly sounds exhausting. I think back to high school and trying out for the cross country team. One day of practice was enough to realize it wasn’t for me. That’s the feeling I get when I think of finishing well. Can I do this?
Fortunately, God wants to help. Isaiah 40:29-31 illustrates how He can help, “He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.”
That passage is so hopeful. It provides examples of the strongest in our society, young men, and how even they get worn out. But God can make us capable. The message of redemption in the bible tells us that we can’t do it without Him. With His strength, we can finish the race. We can finish well.
The Galatians were still in the running, but they got off course. This is akin to having the wrong beliefs. God and the way isn’t subjective or up to one’s interpretation. Matthew 7:14 says, “But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.” This reminds me of long race that has signs or people pointing the way at tricky junctures. Pastors teach the Word and provide guidance. Our own bible reading is necessary.
The Holy Spirit also provides leadership. John 16:13 says, “However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come.” He will alter circumstances to open or close opportunities. He will put thoughts in our minds or warnings in our hearts. What blessed guidance.
The movie, Chariots of Fire, has Eric Liddel, a christian mission who was an olympic runner from the 1930’s gave some great speeches. Here a few sentences, ‘And where does the power come from to see the race to its end?
From within. Jesus said, “Behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” “If, with all your hearts ye truly seek Me, ye shall ever surely find Me”1 — if you commit yourself to the love of Christ. And THAT is how you run the straight race.’
If we are in Christ, we have a companion, the Holy Spirit. We are never alone as we follow Him. Romans 8:16 says, “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God”. His Spirit is connected to ours. We can sense Him, feel the peace that He gives. David said in Psalm 23, “my cup runneth over”. He gives us full hearts.
Even though legs of the race are difficult, we’ve got the Lord leading and keeping us company. Our brothers and sisters in Christ are also by our side.
Lord, help us to finish well. Thank You for the comfort You bring and the guidance You provide. Help us to follow Your leading.