from Gary Hamrick
... Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Chapel
for
Finishing the Race Well
... God calls His people not merely to begin in faith, but to persevere faithfully until they are with Him.
Acts 20:24 NKJV (devotion translation)
But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Devotion:
Today's Scripture reminds us that the Christian life is not merely about beginning well, but about finishing faithfully.
As Paul addressed the elders from Ephesus, he reflected on a life marked by humility, suffering, and steadfast devotion to Christ. Though he knew hardships awaited him, Paul remained committed to the calling God had given him. His greatest desire was not personal comfort or safety, but to complete the race set before him with joy. This perspective shaped every decision he made.
The Christian life is often compared in Scripture to a race, not because it is competitive, but because it requires endurance. Every believer begins this race when he or she places faith in Jesus Christ. Along the way there will be seasons of joy and seasons of tears. Trials, disappointments, and spiritual battles are not signs that God has abandoned us. Rather, they are reminders that we must continually depend upon Him. Paul endured many hardships, yet he pressed forward because his eyes were fixed on Christ rather than his circumstances.
Humility is essential if we are to finish well. Pride turns our hearts toward self-reliance, while humility keeps us dependent upon God's grace. The Lord does not ask us to run in our own strength. He calls us to walk faithfully, trusting that He will sustain us each step of the way. As we surrender our ambitions, fears, and desires to Him, we discover that His grace is sufficient for the journey.
The race set before you may be difficult, but Christ, who called you, is also the One who will faithfully carry you to the finish line.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to run the race You have set before me with humility, endurance, and wholehearted devotion to You. Keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, and strengthen me to remain faithful until the end. Amen.
Digging Deeper:
- Hebrews 12:1-2 ↗ - Run the race with endurance, fixing your eyes on Jesus.
- Philippians 1:6 ↗ - God faithfully completes the work He begins in His people.
- 2 Corinthians 12:9 ↗ - God’s grace is sufficient to sustain us in weakness.
- 2 Timothy 4:7-8 ↗ - Paul reflects on finishing his race faithfully and receiving the Lord’s reward.
- James 1:12 ↗ - Blessing awaits those who persevere under trial.