Read Acts 20:24.
The older I get, the more I realize the power of these words in this verse. When I turned 50 it became clear I'm not in the first quarter of the game anymore. Every year seems to pass faster than the last, and my children have become adults in the blink of an eye. My progressing time has led me to prioritize treasures. I can relate to Paul as the most glamorous things in life that once held a valued place in my heart continue to tarnish the more I see God work among the nations.
Anything I can buy pales in comparison to seeing a life changed by God. And with each new mission comes an increased sense of urgency to invest wisely in eternity. Each cracking bone that sings to me in the morning serves as a reminder to finish strong because time is short.
Paul understood what it means to finish strong. God brought him to the point that nothing mattered more than finishing the magnificent work of "testifying to the good news of God's grace." I pray my own journey will take me to that place too.
Lord, reveal to us ways we can invest in lasting treasure. Refocus our aim on what ultimately matters as we labor to finish our race well. Amen.
-from a missionary on our Mobilization Team
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East-West's missionaries and national partners are stationed in nearly 50 countries around the world that are categorized as unreached or restricted access. For security reasons, we do not disclose their identities.