Pursue only What will Last

“But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere.” Ecclessiastes 2:11 NLT

In a sad story titled “Body found during search for missing fell runner in Cumbria” published Tuesday, the following was reported: Edward Catmur, from London, had set out to run a fell route from Dufton to Cross Fell – the highest mountain in the Pennines – and Hartside Cross. The 40-year-old runner was reported missing after no communication had been received from him since 10am on New Year’s Eve, 31 December 2023. A search for Catmur, led by Penrith Mountain Rescue Team and involving Cumbria Police and volunteers, began at around 5.45pm on New Year’s Eve along his planned route. The search continued into the early hours and resumed at first light on New Year’s Day. Additional resources – including search dogs, drones and the Great North Air Ambulance and HM Coastguard helicopter – were called in to help until a police helicopter made a find at around midday. Catmur’s long list of achievements includes victories at the North Downs Way 100 and Milton Keynes Marathon and impressive finishes at the Comrades Marathon and the 106-mile Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc…

And you know, as heartbreaking as this account is, it serves as a reminder that death can come when we least expect it; after which all that we’ve done will be briefly considered and then soon forgotten. Solomon (nearing the end of his life) clearly understood this and, after listing his achievements, declared, “as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere.” Looking back, Solomon knew that vain pursuits produced no lasting fruit and that only what was done for God mattered. C.T. Studd said it this way “Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last. And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be, If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.”

So knowing that our days are numbered and that they could be few, let us live on fire for Christ each and every day my friend! Let us strive to serve and love in such a radical way that our greatest achievement will be listed as “faithful follower of Jesus Christ until the end.” Can you think of any better way to be remembered? I sure can’t. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the model of servanthood that Jesus displayed for us to follow. He lived only to do Your will and to bring You glory in all that He said and did. Help us to live the same way Lord so that we would leave behind a legacy of service that points to You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!