
Paul knew where to look for his joy. He said he was going to “finish [his] course with joy.” He was going to complete the ministry to which he had been called. He did not focus on his own life—his personal desires. He was going to finish his race and when he crossed the line there was going to be a smile on his face.
He intended not only to finish but to do it with joy. I like that. I too am not only going to finish my race and win but I’m going to enjoy it!
Do you see that we’re not talking about a race where at the end we’re going to drag up to the finish line depressed and despondent? We are talking about a race God intends for us to finish with joy.
Don’t let the natural realm determine your level of courage or disappointment. The life of spirit beings is not sustained in the natural. A lot of our troubles are caused because our desires are incorrectly focused. Peace and joy, however, belong to those who keep their hearts full of God. So look in the right places for your joy.
Don’t get distracted by anything—even legitimate things. If they have preeminence in your life, they are not right for you. One day each of us will stand before God. I personally don’t think I will live out my natural life on earth. I expect Jesus to come before that happens. When I stand before the Lord, nothing will matter except that I finished my course.

