Finishers

Finishers

Bible: 2 Timothy 4:1-8

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith (V.7).

When I was a kid, I dreamed of becoming a black belt in karate. A few years ago I began training and came close to making it really happen. But two belts away from my goal, I quit. There were two reasons—my teacher changed styles in the middle of my training, and I got so busy that I
couldn’t give enough time to the class.

Almost every week, I am reminded that God wants me to be a finisher in all areas of my life—but especially in following Him. When Paul knew he was about to be executed, he did not have any worrying thoughts about things he hadn’t finished. In this final goodbye (2 TIM. 4:7), Paul talked about finishing his life for Jesus. He described his life in terms of a fight: “I have fought the good fight” (V.7). The fight was “good” because he had stood for God and the message of Jesus, no matter what. Then he used the idea of a race: “I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (V.7). Paul knew that it was only because of God’s love and strength that he had been able to finish everything God had given him to do. As followers of Jesus, let us keep trusting Jesus to make us finishers in everything. With Him, we’ll never quit.

What I’m Thankful for…

Thank You, Jesus, that You will keep me going every day. In Your strength, I know I’ll never give up; but I will be a finisher like Paul.

LIVE WITH HEAVEN IN VIEW.

Youth Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries