As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.
2 Timothy 4:6
This past Saturday we were at the Memorial Service for Carol Wallace, a good friend from HHBC. Two weeks ago we were in the same church remembering Lee Thorstenson. Both women were faithful to God, fought hard against cancer, and died with peace. Lee and Carol both ran a good race and finished with amazing faith and hope for what would happen when they took their last breath.
When you go to a funeral, and it is for a believer, it is amazing how uplifting the service can be. In both cases I walked away feeling happy for them that they were in the presence of God and had no more pain. It is sad when we think of them not being here with us, but we can rejoice that in time we will see that person again. When you have a vision of what it will be like when you stand face to face with God, it makes it all seem very exciting and you anticipate the moment.
A song that has become popular at funerals is "I Can Only Imagine". If you take time to think about what you would do when you are in the presence of God, it is a joyful thought! What would you do? Dance, sing, fall down on your knees? We can only imagine what that moment will be like. I wonder what Lee Thorstenson and Carol Wallace do in that moment?
Life should be enjoyed because you never know what is around the corner. I can attest to the fact that life can be enjoyed even if you know what is around the corner. It is a marathon that should be run with appreciation for the hardships and victories that will make crossing the finish line seem even sweeter. I want to be proud of the race I am running, but most of all I want Jesus to be proud of me. I want Him to feel that when He paid the price for my sins on the cross, that it was worth it.
God has a very scenic and exciting route for the race he wants us to run. That is not to say that it will always be easy. But, if you run it according to His will, you have assurance that there will be everlasting water whenever you need it!!
Run your race for God!
Sandy
