My Fourth quarter

The Psalmist wrote “the length of our days is seventy years — or eighty if there is strength (Psa. 90:10)”  Under normal circumstances at 57 I am definitely beginning my fourth quarter.  In light of my recent car accident, I have adopted Acts 20:24 as my “fourth quarter verse.”  

​This verse is a part of Paul’s emotional farewell to the Ephesian elders.  It would be the last time he would see them.  He was heading to Jerusalem and he had been warned by the Holy Spirit that in every city “prison and hardships” were facing him.  Even though Paul knew the journey ahead was going to be rough he said “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 the gospel of God’s grace.”  

As I look at my fourth quarter through the lens of that verse (and after my past car accident that could have easily taken my life) some thoughts come to mind:

• “I consider my life worth nothing to me” - I live only because God has given me life and He can take it anytime He pleases.  My life belongs to Him!  God used a Honda Civic seatbelt and airbag to spare my life this time.  He isn’t done with me yet!
• “If only” - I have been doing full time ministry for over 35 years.  During that time I have followed a few different ministry passions.  As I enter the fourth quarter I have only one passion.  That passion is to see churches planted among the least reached peoples of the world through mobilization.  
• “I may finish the race” - My race could be finished tomorrow or I may have another 20 or 30 years.  Either way to finish the race well I must run well everyday.
• “And complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me” - The task the Lord has given me for the fourth quarter as I enjoy His grace is to extend His glory to the ends of the earth through the mobilization of churches.

I don’t know what quarter you are in, but I wonder “how are you running your race today?”

Rick