King of the HILL: Final Ascent!

I was reading a very interesting book this morning. I was into what was being said and looking forward to the pages to come. Then something interesting happened.

As I turned the next page, I noticed I was nearing the end of the chapter. I could see the last page-and-a-half and the title of the next chapter on the following page.

Suddenly, I felt myself getting anxious about finishing the current chapter. I started reading faster, even skipping some words. I had to literally make myself finish the chapter.

What is it about "The End" that causes us to start getting impatient? Why is it that so often, when we can see the finish line that we feel like quitting?

You may not think this describes you, but I would challenge you to go home and look for signs of "unfinished business". Paint on the walls that is still missing that one little spot. Clothes that are folded but not put away. Letters that are written, but still sitting on the counter waiting to be mailed.

There are plenty of signs all around is in our everyday lives that remind us of just how much effort it takes to complete a task.

It is no different as we climb the hills we face in our quest to become King of the Hill.

I believe it is this thought, this obstacle we face, that could be at the heart of what the writer coaches us to do in Hebrews 12:2...

"Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith..."

As we get closer to the top of our hill, closer to overcoming the mountain we have faced, it may be a challenge to stick with it.

Sometimes, just seeing the top can feel like we have arrived, but there is still more climbing to be done. We cannot give up now, we are almost there.

And having someone who is at the top saying, "come on up" will give us that extra courage to keep moving!

Who is that someone? Jesus. He has already conquered the hill. His hill was Calvary. He climbed to the top and never came down! He is, always has been, and will always be our King of the Hill.

And it is His life, His example and His Word from which we draw the strength to stay in faith and leg-it-out for those last few yards, until we reach the top and become King of the Hill.

Don't give up. You are almost there. You can see the top. Now do what the NIV version of Hebrews 12:2 says...

"FIX you eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith..."

Let's go to the TOP!