KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE FINISH LINE

Read: 2 TIMOTHY 4:6-8

Meditation verse:“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7)

Several years ago, I participated in a parent’s race during the annual sports event of my children’s school. About five mothers came out to the starting point to participate. The whistle went off and we began the race as our children cheered us on. I gave it my all and soon I was right ahead of the others. As I continued running, I noticed a group of people standing together close to the end of the field. Mistaking that for the finish point, I stopped by the group. The other women who were far behind me ran past me and got to the finish point. I had gotten distracted from the real finish line by the group of individuals.

I pondered on the day’s event as I drove back home with the children and wondered at how I failed to reach the finished line because of a slight distraction. Not everyone who begins a race gets to the finished line. Some runners lose their balance and fall by the way, some get distracted, others become too weary to continue. Those who finish strong are the ones who never take their gaze off the finish line. Similarly in the race of life, some people get distracted by the cares of this present world, others become weary from fighting the battles of life, still yet many do not even get started.

The apostle Paul kept his eyes on the finish line and ended well. In discharging his apostolic mandate, he completed three long missionary journeys, planted at least 14 churches, wrote 13 of the New Testament books and endured some of the toughest conditions, persecutions, and trials. And then he gave his valedictory speech in 2 Timothy 4:7- 8, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing”. Keep your eyes on the finish line, so that you can end well and receive your crown.

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Oke Chinye.
Have you asked Jesus Christ to come into your heart?

He says in Mathew 11:28, “come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He longs to give you rest."

Would you like to do so now? Here’s a prayer you can say:
Dear Jesus, I believe that You died to save me from all my sins. Today, I invite you into my heart and I accept you as my Lord and Saviour. Please forgive all my sins and help me to live my life for You.

If you prayed this prayer, send me an email at rockteachingministry@gmail.com

I would love to pray with you personally and send you a copy of my book; ‘Living the Life’ to encourage you as you begin your new life in Christ.