"If you really want to know who GOD is with, check out the finish line."It's truly a word to the wise to not hastily talk against someone else's work. We're so quick to say what GOD is in and not in, but He validates the work of His servants Himself by giving them longevity. You know, it's one thing to start; but it's another to start AND finish. What we must realize is that GOD is just as concerned about our finish as He is our start.
Bible admonishes us to endure and to finish. It doesn't matter how swift or strong one may be (Ecc. 9:11) because GOD doesn't call the equipped, but rather equips the called (Exodus 4:1-5). Therefore, if you really want to know who GOD is with, check out the finish line. That's right: GOD is with those who finish because He's prepared them to endure (2 Timothy 4:7-8,17). And who better to prepare us than the One who best knows the race's course and its challenging conditions.
The quitters are the self-equipped ones who decide to enter the race based on their own probability of success and misguided assessment of the needed preparation (Luke 14:28-30). However, when the race presents conditions they can't handle, then all of a sudden their "season is up" and they quit. NEWS FLASH: it wasn't their season and GOD wasn't with them. THAT race was given to the one whom GOD prepared to endure it until the end.
When you've been equipped to accomplish a work for GOD (not yourself), quitting is not an option (Acts 20:24). Even when rough situations cross your path, you press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of GOD in Christ because you've got the equipment (Philippians 3:14). Your body may get weary; but because you are waiting upon (ie serving) GOD, He is renewing your strength so that you may mount up with wings as an eagle, run and not be weary, walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31).
When you're in YOUR GOD-given race, it's not easy to just give up and leave the course. You would rather die pursuing the finish than quitting. You could care less about living to fight another day because you know that all you have is today--tomorrow is not promised. This is the fierce tenacity that gets people talking, especially the critics on the sidelines: they haven't done anything, won't do anything and won't let you do anything (if you let them). But there's no need to answer them yourself because GOD will validate you AND your work at the finish line.
