“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run withendurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2
How Will You Finish?
Do you remember seeing or reading about Joe Namath leading the Jets to the improbable win against the Colts in Super Bowl III, or the four titles that Franco Harris helped the Steelers win in the 1970s? Or guys like Roger Staubach leading Dallas to two titles in the 1970s, and John Elway finally winning and leading Denver to two titles in the 1990s?
But did you know that Namath ended his career with the Los Angeles Rams and only played four games in 1977, or that Harris ended with the Seattle Seahawks and rushed for only 170 yards in eight games? They didn’t finish their playing careers that well, although they eventually were elected into the Hall of Fame.
On the other hand, Staubach ended his career with the Cowboys after playing in his sixth Pro Bowl (he set career highs for completions, passing yards and TD passes that season), and a year after winning the Super Bowl. Elway ended his career after winning his second straight Super Bowl, earning MVP of the game and being elected to his ninth Pro Bowl. Both also were elected to the Hall.
How will you finish and be remembered? Will people only talk about the beginning of your life or will they talk the beginning and ending? Will you finish poorly and skate into Heaven, or will you run all the way through the finish?
Please God by beginning and finishing strong.
— Brett Honeycutt
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