“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
2 Timothy 4:7
An important lesson in racing and in life is that regardless of how you begin, what ultimately matters is how you finish. I have watched many athletes go out fast and take an early lead, yet end up lacking the stamina for a strong finish. Rather than winning, they fall back in the pack, and in some cases, even drop out altogether.
There are two vital truths about how we as believers in Jesus finish our race of life, truths that we must come to grips with and embrace. The first is that we cannot propel ourselves across the finish line and take the gold. On our own, we’re destined to fail. We might be among those who start out strong, only to let go of our faith when the race becomes longer or harder than we expected.
The second truth—and praise God for it—is that His grace enables us to persevere! He has finished the race for us! He alone “is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before his glorious presence … with great joy” (Jude 24). May we be found faithful to our Savior when He calls us home or comes again.
There are two vital truths about how we as believers in Jesus finish our race of life, truths that we must come to grips with and embrace. The first is that we cannot propel ourselves across the finish line and take the gold. On our own, we’re destined to fail. We might be among those who start out strong, only to let go of our faith when the race becomes longer or harder than we expected.
The second truth—and praise God for it—is that His grace enables us to persevere! He has finished the race for us! He alone “is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before his glorious presence … with great joy” (Jude 24). May we be found faithful to our Savior when He calls us home or comes again.
Scripture Focus
Psalm 39:4-9
Insight
“After all is said and done/ And after every race is run/ I will see my Savior’s face/ Hands high, heart full of praise.” (Phil Wickham, 2021)
Bible In A Year
- Ezra 9-10
- Psalm 30
- Mark 9
