Memorise: I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness; 2 Timothy 4:7&8
Devotional Reading: 2 Timothy 4: 1-8
Yesterday, we looked at “Running Your Race with Patience” Today, we are looking at “Finish Your Race Well”
The testimony of Paul in 2 Timothy 4; should be the aspiration and pursuit of every believer and servant of God. It is impossible to over emphasise this topic, this is the whole essence of life in relation to our Christian journey. It is the only thing that would make coming to this world ‘A Gain’. Anyone who does not finish, well, is a total loser. It were better that such person had not come into this world at all, Apostle Paul referred to such people to be “of all men most miserable’ 1 Corinthians 15:19;
Like i said few days ago, life is a marathon, not everyone that started the race finish well. A good start in the race does not guarantee a good finish. The London branch of our church was situated along a Marathon racing path in South East London, this enabled me to watch it occasionally. I observed that some people who started the race well, drop off along the way, not everyone that started make it to the finish line and only a handful finish the race well to receive medals.
This is similar to the ‘Spiritual Race’. Many have been called but few are chosen, (Matthew 22:14) amongst the chosen few, very few will finish well to receive the crown of life. You have to strive vigorously to be included amongst the very few that will finish well. St Luke admonished us to “Strive to enter in at the gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. – Luke 13:24; Beware, careless Christians will not finish well.
To finish well takes more than just going to church, reading the bible and praying. Finishing well requires consecration; self denial; principled Christian living; dying to self; holiness and implicit obedience to the law’s of God. There is no compromise with God, He will not allow compromisers to enter through the pearly gate. The principle of God is “All, or Nothing”. Either we accept and obey all the “Thus saith the LORD”, or fail one and lose all. It is a very strict standard, but achievable by the Grace of God.
A beloved and very dear sister recently went to be with the LORD, the life she lived and the memories she left behind confirmed that she finished her race well. We too should sincerely pray that the almighty God will help you and I finish our earthly race well in Jesus name.
We are currently at the end time, the trumpet can sound at any time, the rapture will take place, where will you spend eternity? There are only two eternal destinations and they are real “Heaven OR Hell”
May the LORD give you the grace to live in obedience to his word, so that you like Apostle Paul can finish well in the name of Jesus.
Prayer point: O Lord, release upon me the Grace and power to finish well in Jesus name.
Key Dose: It is the will of God for you to finish well
Pastor James Ademuyiwa
Senior Pastor (IHPCT)
