08/14/2011 -

Paul’s metaphor of serving God as if running a race is first found in Acts:

“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 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 to the gospel of God’s grace. …  When he had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed.”

~ Acts 20:22-24; 36

In a posture of worship, Paul spoke with God – probably in gratitude for the blessing of being able to give.