Verses on Purpose: Colossians 4:17

“Tell Archippus: ‘See to it that you complete the work you have received from the Lord.'”

Colossians 4:17 is one of the “verses on purpose” meant for one person. But the biblical principle applies to all believers. God has work for you to do. Your work is to use your spiritual gifts to serve a specific audience.

Julie Moss was a 23 year old amateur athlete who has never participated in a triathlon before. She entered the 1982 Ironman contest held in Kona, Hawaii. She led the women after swimming 2 miles; continued in front after the 112 mile bicycle ride; and was ahead with 440 yards left in the 26.2 mile run.

Then she fell down. She stayed down for a full three minutes before she struggled to her feet and staggered on. Her legs wobbled and her knees buckled as she tumbled to the ground with 100 yards to the finish.

The crowd yelled, “Get up, lady!” Somehow Julie managed to stand and stumbled forward almost incoherently before collapsing a third time less than 50 feet remaining. Incredibly, Julie was crawling to the finish line when another woman runner raced past her to victory. As Julie pulled herself across the finish line, she cried out, “Did I finish?” After being assured that she had finished, Julie Moss fell limp from exhaustion.

Someday you’ll cross the “finish line.” Whatever you do – however long it takes – no matter the cost – regardless of effort – running, walking or crawling – finish the race!