I recently attended the funeral of a friend’s father. He had lived a long and beautiful life that contained a multitude of adventures, including—I am not exaggerating—fighting off pirates. He had children, grandchildren, and an adorable infant great-grandson, and all of those who are grown seem to live out their faith with the fullness and joy of the Holy Spirit.

His health had been declining for a while, and he knew the end was near. How would any of us respond in that situation? Give thanks to God and peacefully look forward to our heavenly reward? That would be very beautiful indeed! But would we also continue to fight the good fight and pursue the Lord with all our heart, mind, and strength?

Our priest shared that he was both inspired and surprised when he learned that the man had been spending the last nine months or so before his death working very hard to read through the entire Bible, which he had never done before. Even more amazing was that in the last five hours of his life on earth, the man and his son read ten chapters of the Book of Revelation together, finishing at chapter sixteen. This man did not rest on his laurels; he continued to fervently pursue the Lord with all the time he had left.

Of course, that will look different for everyone according to their situation and abilities. But wherever we are in life, Scripture asks us to wholeheartedly persevere in pursuing the Lord:

One thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Phil 3:13-14)

Consider the ancient generations and see: who ever trusted in the Lord and was put to shame? Or who ever persevered in the fear of the Lord and was forsaken? Or who ever called upon him and was overlooked? (Sir 2:10)

But he who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer that forgets but a doer that acts, he shall be blessed in his doing. (Jas 1:25)

Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. (Eph 6:18)

This man had experienced a time in his life when he was away from the Lord, but he had turned back toward Him and clearly did not want to let his gaze slip from his King once again. May his example of persevering to the end help those of us still running the race to do so “with perseverance . . . looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb 12:1-2).