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Scripture
Acts 20:24 (NIV) 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

Observation
These are the words of Paul as he is saying his last goodbyes to the leaders of the church at Ephesus. He knows that he has suffering and imprisonment ahead of him, and death... and that he will not see these men he has shared so much of his life with again. It's so easy to blow past this passage. God is not revealing any great theological truth... he is just giving us a glimpse into this moment in Paul's life. And yet what a powerful moment. Think about all that Paul has been through. Think about in our own lives when we have made dear friends in the ministry and have shared our blood, sweat, and tears. I think about the friendships I have forged with brothers and sisters in Chihuahua Mexico and in Orissa India. I think of my dear friend Arnold in the Philippines. How will I feel when I meet with these friends for what I know will be the last time, and that I will not see them again this side of heaven? I'm fighting back tears just writing this to think of that moment. This is what Paul was experiencing, with even more intensity.

In that moment he shares with them one of the most powerful statements Paul ever makes. Why does he do what he does? Why does he subject himself to persecution, imprisonment, and even death? He answers that question with laser beam focus. His life means nothing if he can't finish the race... complete the task that he was created for. That's it! That's the meaning of life. To be connected to Christ, and then to pour yourself out to the completion of his purpose for you, until all he has given you is done.

Application
This year I turn 44. I wasted a lot of years of my life not understanding this, running from God, and living for myself. If I'm fortunate I have what, 30 years left? Out of that time how many years do I have to pursue the calling God has placed on my life? 15? 20? No more wasting time! I know what God has called me to do, and I will pursue it with focused passion. With God's help, I will finish the race strong and accomplish all he has purposed me for.

Prayer
Lord, help me to let go of everything that distracts from the purpose you created me for, and to pursue that purpose with the passion and focus of Paul. Show me your path, and give me the ability to follow it.