Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Running the Race is Tough

2 Timothy 4:6-8 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

I would imagine that Paul in writing this to Timothy especially verse seven had thoughts of man I am glad this is about done. While he finished the race and did it with excellence I would imagine he looked back and thought oh man that was sticking tough. I don't know where people get this idea that following Christ is easy and that everything is going to turn up rosy. But where ever it came from it wasn't the Bible. Following Christ and running this race of life is really tough stuff. There are times I have felt like throwing in the towel, of calling it quits. But then I realize that what is happening is that I am allowing Satan victory in my life when Jesus already has claimed the victory. If I try to run this race on my own, forget about it, I will fail every time. But like Paul I must keep my focus on Christ, I must rely on His strength, I must determine that there is nothing greater than running the race for Christ and with Christ. Today as trouble comes or whatever is thrown my way, may I keep Christ at the center in order to one day finish the race.

Father I need your strength today in order to run in such a way as to win the prize. Help me to finish today with my focus on Christ.

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