OneDayBetter

READY:
May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy. Colossians 1:11

SET:
One man, one mission, one focus to carry out a plan for one purpose. Gary Brasher is just that man! On November 20-22, 2009, Gary, 51, will do what is seemingly unthinkable and running in back to back to back Ironman distance events to raise awareness and funds for student-athletes to go to FCA camps all over the country. 422.5 miles he will cover during those 3 grueling days. So why would he do this? Why would he put his body through such suffering and pain? Gary is a man on a mission.

Over 2000 years ago, there was another man who was given a mission to complete as well. He was born to a common family, grew in obedience to his father and mother, worked in the family trade as well until it was time for him to fulfill his calling in life. Who was this man? His name is Jesus Christ. At the age of 30, Christ spent three years with one mission, one focus to carry out His father’s plan as well.

I know Gary will make it, simply because he understands the endurance it takes to complete such a task. I know the 422 miles will be taxing in so many ways, but that final .5 mile will be the biggest test. In that last leg of the last race, he will see the finish line. He will know all the suffering and pain will be worth it in the end. His efforts will change the hearts and lives for years to come.

Likewise, Jesus journey finished with a .5 mile effort. It is estimated that Christ carried his cross to the hill on Golgotha ½ a mile. His journey long, His mission clear, His focus was on the finish, but Christ endured and finished His goal. His efforts that day changed the hearts and lives for eternity.

In the final mile all the work, all the suffering, and all the pain will be wiped away for Gary when he crosses that finish line. He will tell the world is was all worth it in the end. Jesus Christ’s endurance accomplished the ultimate opportunity…everlasting life in Heaven with Him. Carrying His cross, dying for our sin, and giving us the opportunity to live with Him was all finalized in that last .5 miles. Are you nearing the end of a long journey for you? Can you see the finish line? Perhaps you are just starting a difficult journey? Whatever the case may be, know that enduring to the end with all patience, all faith, and all joy in Christ, will reap a far greater reward than any trophy or accomplishment here on earth. Gary…Go For It for God’s glory, but we all need to remember, Christ DID It that we may see God’s glory first hand!

GO:
1. When you think about what Gary is about to accomplish, what thoughts come to mind?
2. What kind of journey (mission) are you on today? Are you just starting or nearing the finish line?
3. What do you need to do today, with God’s strength, to endure with all strength, all patience, all joy for God’s glory?

WORKOUT:
2 Timothy 2 :10
Romans 5:3-4
1 Peter 2:20-22