Live Out Your Deep Purpose

“I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.” John 17:4 NIV

In an inspiring story titled “74-year-old Duluth runner ‘gave it his all’ after dropping out of 100-mile race” published by NorthernNewsNow on Monday, it was reported that Duluth area runner Michael Koppy, who was attempting to break an ultra running record out in California this past weekend, was disqualified after 30 miles, or 9 hours into the race, for coming into an aid station just a few minutes after the cut-off time. Koppy, age 74, was aiming to become the oldest person to ever complete the Western States 100-mile endurance run. In a message, Koppy’s wife says what matters is the years of training, the countless qualifying races, the early mornings and the deep purpose that carried him to the start line. Koppy says he gave it his all, but that the course was very technical, which slowed his pace. Of the six runners over the age of 70 that started the race, only one crossed the finish line. 

And while the world may view Michael’s race as a loss, I’d join his wife in considering it a victory since he fulfilled “the deep purpose” that spurred him to the start line. In the same way, every believer can count their life as victory by fulfilling “the deep purpose” within them for which they were created… which is to bring God glory by finishing the work He gave them to do. You see, as Jesus clearly demonstrated by his death on the cross, spiritual success is measured by the degree of our obedience and wholehearted devotion—-meaning that we gain victory when we give our all to the cause of Christ, doing everything for the glory of God, no matter the hardships, trials, or pain that we have to face along the way. 

So, in the example Jesus modeled, live to bring God glory on earth above all else my friend. Give it your all to finish the work He gave you to do, aiming to inspire the lost to follow Jesus in doing so. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You don’t measure success the way the world does. Help us to understand that we are in a spiritual race with a finish line put in place by You. Help us to run with endurance the race marked out before us with all that we have that we might bring You glory with every step and with every breath. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!