If we had a choice, most of us would not choose many of the things that we must face in life. In our text, Paul helps us understand some things about life and how to live in uncertain times and how to finish our course with joy. Paul does not wish that he could change things about his life. He was not worried about changing his life, he was worried about finishing his life in a manner that was pleasing to God. This teaches us that we need to quit fighting and fretting about our circumstances, and simply continue on the path that God has for us. In stead of being worried about it, he was strengthened by the fact that even though he did not know what was ahead of him, God DID know and had it worked out. We cannot go back and we cannot stand still. We have no choice. We are bound to go, but not bound by the uncertainty. Paul knew that he could not alter what lay before him, but he had already placed it on the alter of God and that his life was in His hands. We cannot decide where life takes us, but we can decide the attitude with which we approach it. There are many people in the world and far too many people in the church that are worried about tomorrow. When we learn the lessons of Paul and live our life by faith rather than by sight, we can finish with joy.