In my little hometown of Reeves, growing up with basketball as the favored sport was inevitable. And getting to play basketball was an honor. Anyone who has played a sport knows the conditioning it takes to get into shape to play in the game. Without a doubt, some of the greatest words you could ever hear your coach say is, “Last lap”!

Now as I have grown much older, walking has become a great way to stay in shape and work out stress. As my hubby and I walk, often on a track while counting off the laps, it still causes my heart to leap when I hear, “last lap”! And thus, an extra amount of adrenaline ignites, and I usually finish strong.

Living on this earth, the hubby and I know we are in our “last lap.” We know from God’s Word and physics, the next chapter is either death or the Lord’s Return, but either way we will be transported to heaven! So, as I remind myself that I’m on my “last lap,” I want to feel that extra spark, a new burst of energy each morning to take on life “to the praise of His glory.” Everything Jesus Christ did on this earth was “to the praise of God’s glory,” and it should be that way for us as well (Ephesians 1).

So, it really does not matter your age, if you are saved by grace, live like you are in your last lap – to the glory of God!

And as I continue running in this “no dairy, no sugar” fast, I’m reminded of my “cheer leaders;” the cloud of witnesses: “all these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet NONE of them received all that God promised” (Hebrews 11:39, NLT) while still living in this life. A good reminder that our prayers may not be answered until heaven. And of course, my greatest cheer leader, my Savior, Jesus Christ, who endured the cross for ME, so surely, I can endure a fast from dairy and sugar.

If you are joining in on the fast, let’s not grow weary in our “fast” or in our “last lap.”  And the only way not to give in or give up is to keep our focus squarely on our Savior and King as described in Hebrews 12:1-3.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.

What are you focusing on in your last lap? Hopefully, “to the praise of His glory”!