At the end of Paul’s life, he felt confident that he had done all he could for the sake of the Gospel. He didn’t show regret or remorse. Isn’t that what each and every Christian should desire? When you lay it down, to be able to say, “I fought the good fight. I finished the race.” Paul urged Timothy forward in his faith and in his ministry. We sense that Timothy was struggling because Paul tells him to step it up with his gifts and to be bold and not timid. So how did Timothy’s race turn out? Scholars believe that Timothy was present at Paul’s execution, and shortly thereafter was arrested and imprisoned. At some point after his release, he became the Bishop of Ephesus. At the age of 80, Timothy was beaten to death for preaching the Good News. He, too, ran the race well and fought the good fight. No turning back and no regrets.

Scripture
2 Ti 2:21; 2 Co 5:17; Ro 12:2; 2 Ti 4:7-8
Verse

Thought
As Paul writes to Timothy from prison, he offers guidance for the race that lies ahead. When one chooses to follow Christ, the course isn’t mapped out in “best route” terms. We often only see what’s immediately ahead and in the natural realm we may experience a lot of uncertainty and fear. But when we securely place our confidence in Christ, we know that wherever the road may go and whatever obstructs the path, God is with us and will guide, strengthen and direct us if we stay the course. The guidance that Paul offered to Timothy is beneficial to us today. Paul commends genuine faith that is free from pretense. He encourages us to nurture and use the gifts God has given us. We are to be bold and confident, because God has given us a spirit of power and love and of self-discipline. Paul reminds us that the Good News is worth everything, whatever trials may come. We need to extend grace in all of our relationships so that we can have the greatest impact for Christ. Don’t waste time on God-less chatter. Use your time and efforts to achieve God’s purpose, and honor God in all that you do. What you do and say should breathe life into those around you. Remember that evil is a reality; and until Jesus returns, we will experience hardships, sorrows and stress, but our trials give us the opportunity to rely on God’s strength. It seems like an overwhelming list of instructions that could easily bring distress. Who can do all of this? No one is able in their own power. It’s only by the transforming power of Christ that we can be changed a little at a time, step by step, and eventually emerge as a winner in the race. Keep fighting and keep running.

Questions
Is pretense a problem in your Christian walk? Explain. What God-given gift do you need to nurture? Are you bold for Christ? Explain. Give an example. How passionate are you about the Good News? How do you respond when you are in a situation surrounded by God-less chatter? Are you conscious of how your words affect those around you? How can you be a more effective communicator of the Gospel? How can we be aware of evil and yet not allow it to discourage and derail us? If you were facing death right now, could you say you fought the good fight and finished well? What is the best plan for having no regrets at the end of life? What spiritual “win” would you like to experience today?

Response
Think about what a “win” is in your daily Christian walk. Each day ask God to strengthen you for the work he’s placed before you.

Prayer
Gracious Lord, I surrender to your will. Be my guide, be my vision. Help me walk close to you each day and assure me of your presence. Mold my heart and transform my life so that I can run the race and finish the course that you have placed before me. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.