Scripture Text:
I have fought the good fight,
I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith.
Now, 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.
(2 Timothy 4:7-8)
Thought:
With fall approaching, I am getting in the mood to watch some football. I was
reminded the other day of a quote from the Hall of Fame coach, Vince Lombardi. He
said "Winning is not everything -- but making effort to win is." This
statement reminds me of the statement Paul makes to his beloved friend, Timothy.
Paul realized that the race was not his to win. Christ had already won it with his
victory over death on the cross. For us, we just have to make the effort. We
must strive to do what is right, and follow through. If we do that, we will share in
the victory with Jesus.
No individual achievement, or amazing feats of skill or bravery will win this race.
No acts that we will do on earth will give us a victory. Only by following
Christ, finishing the race, and keeping the faith, can the race be won.
Prayer:
Dear Lord and Father, I realize that your son has made the way clear for me to
win this great race we call life. His suffering death on the cross and victorious
resurrection gives us hope for a victor's crown in Heaven. Help me to realize that I
cannot win this race without Christ. Keep me from the vain thoughts of thinking that
I can earn my way to Heaven. Help me to understand his grace, and recognize the
great sacrifice he made, for me... for all of us. May I have the stamina of
Paul to
maintain my desire and to run without faltering to the end. In Jesus' name,
Amen.
