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"Press On"
Daniel Valles

READ Acts 20:18-24

Paul had a ministry and purpose in life that affected his outlook.  He went through many difficulties that would have demoralized many a man.  He mentioned in this letter that the soul and desire of his ministry was to minister unselfishly to the church (vs. 20), putting their good above his own.  However, the men opposed to him eventually had him in chains and bonds heading to Rome.

As he was reflecting on the many difficulties and trials that he had gone through, and were inevitably in his future, he reminded the church at Ephesus that he was not willfully enduring temptation and trials for his own glory or motivations.  No, he stated, the energy and purpose that drove him to press on in spite of his circumstances was that he was in the middle of a course.  As a runner running a track (course), there are times when they will trip, get shoved, get weary and exhausted, demoralized by the audience, and just generally fatigued when he gets behind.  What keeps a runner running is the end.  Every runner cherishes the end.  Every runner starts a race with the intention of finishing completely.

Paul stated that his desire was that he would finish with joy (vs. 24), and that his whole ministry would be a testimony to "the gospel of the grace of God."

Why are you pressing on?  Why are you involved in the ministry?  Is it because you want the praise of men, or feel that it is just a 'duty'?  No, our course in life as a Christian is to finish as a faithful steward and runner.  Our goal of our course is to bring glory to God, and be a testimony to His grace.  Our finish line is not on this earth - it ends on the other side.  There is only one Judge - Christ Jesus.

Press on.