READY: “I have finished the race” –2 Timothy 4:7
SET: Mickey Thompson is one of the most recognized names in
the sport of auto racing. He built the fastest cars that could
fly around the track. Yet, not one of his cars ever took the
checkered flag. Although his cars took the lead in the first 29
races they entered, they never won a race. Why? Well, for the
simple reason – they never finished.
Thompson’s team could build a fast car, but they couldn’t
build them to last. They all broke down. Engines blew, gearboxes
broke, fuel systems failed, on and on, the cars were great
starters and fast runners, but they weren’t good finishers.
As you run the race of the Christian life, you gotta stay
strong and end strong. Paul’s life is a demonstration of a good
finisher. From the Damascus Road encounter with Jesus (Acts 9)
and taking the gospel to the gentile world, at the close of his
life, he could say with confidence, “I have kept the faith” (2
Timothy 4:7).
What about you? Has something stalled your spiritual growth?
Has a breakdown occurred? Are you spending more time in the pit
area then in the race? Confess your sins, let the Lord to make
the necessary repairs, and get you back on the track running
strong. If you don’t give up, Jesus will help you run strong and
be a good finisher! Always remember, in the race of life, it’s
always too soon to quit! Upward bound, Coach Pat Street
GO: 1. Is your spiritual growth stalled? On hold? In the
pits? 2. What repairs might the Lord need to do in you to get
back in the race?
WORKOUT: Joshua 1:8; 2 Chronicles 20:20; Proverbs 3:6;
Proverbs 16:3
OVERTIME: Lord, I always want to be progressing and not
stalled in the pit. Do what You’ve got to do to keep me in the
race, running strong and be a good finisher. Amen.
