Malankara World

Today with Jesus

Making a Difference

by Rev. Fr. V.V. Paulose, Toronto, Canada

Today's Bible Verse

"However, I consider my life worth nothing, if I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me." (Acts 20:24)

Discussion

Do you miss the focus of your goal?

Expect great results from the Lord and work hard for it. God will give you the returns. Don't miss the target and get discouraged even in the most testing times. We believe in the God of resurrection and victory. Single-mindedness is a quality needed by anyone who wishes to achieve anything. God is looking for more men and women who will focus on the task entrusted to them. We often feel that life is a failure unless we get a lot out of it: recognition, fun, money, and success. Only once do we pass through this earth. Before the curtain closes, we have to play our role well and exit the stage by putting a good legacy for the future. What we put into life is more important than what we get out of life. No matter how difficult the way seems, we should keep our focus and work towards our goal. When we finally reach the goal, we will discover and realize that it was all worth it.

Terry Fox was a 21 year old university student when he was diagnosed with bone cancer. This resulted in the amputation of his right leg six inches above his knee and was fitted with a prosthetic leg. With the intention of increasing cancer awareness and raising funds for cancer research, he began his Marathon of Hope. He resolved to run across Canada and raise $1 million for Cancer research - a single person, an amputee weak from the treatment, running across one of the world's largest countries, Canada. Rather than being discouraged by the enormity of the task, Terry saw it as an opportunity. He says, "I'm a dreamer. I like challenges. I don't give up."

He started the 5373 kilometers run from St. John's, Newfoundland to Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada. Half way through the run, he was flown to the hospital due to severe chest pain where they discovered that the cancer had returned and spread to his lungs. He was forced to stop his marathon and told to the reporters, "I'm going to do my best. I promise that I'll fight and won't give up. This will inspire more people… My marathon had raised 1.7 million. But now we have over 23 million dollars." In his hospital bed, he laid the ground rules for future fund raising runs: it should be non-competitive, no awards, no winners or losers. Everyone can join for a common goal, finding a cure for cancer. He died on June 28, 1981, one month short of his 23rd birthday. His legacy lives on. Every September, we have the Terry Fox run all over the world.

In the name of circumstances, there should be no excuses for inaction, withdrawal, or detachment. The most important sign of life is growth and achievement.

Prayer

Jesus, by thy light, we see the light. Let each of us find the goal you set ahead of us and work for it. Remove all the hurdles and negative thoughts that come our way. Give us the strength to overcome the darkness around us. We ask this in the name of Jesus.

Amen.

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