Some verses make me cry, like Second Timothy 4:6-8. It says, As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
I don’t know when my day will come to enter the Kingdom, but these verses remind me that while I live I’m running a race, one ordained by God. I’m prompted to ask, “How am I running?”
The Olympics are taking place right now, and it’s easy to see that being a racer is no easy task. To be a true competitor requires discipline and perseverance. As followers of Christ our race sometimes feels like we’re running up hill, legs tiring and lungs struggling to squeeze oxygen from the air. And yet, we are called to obey and to beat our bodies into submission.
In my world I sometimes wonder if I’m running the right race. When people all around me receive accolades and awards and some produce bestselling books, I can get trapped in a mindset of self-service. I say, “I want that!”
Earthly rewards cannot be what I’m about. My heart needs to be set upon the Lord and His will. Only then will I be capable of running to win, for the Lord.
We’ve all been called to serve. God knows our hearts and He seeks those who will step out and accept His calling, seeking no reward except for the joy of pleasing our Heavenly Father. Humble hearts create fertile soil where good works produce an abudant harvest.
Being entrusted to serve should be reward enough. To be called is to be blessed. The prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness. So I press on with a glad heart. And I pray that one day I will hear, “Well done thy good and faithful servant.”
Grace and peace to you from God.
Bonnie
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Beautifully written, Bonnie, and so timely. I needed to hear every word. As a newly contracted author I sometimes feel disheartened and take too much notice of worldly accolades and forget to fix my eyes on Jesus. The Lord led me to your blog/website a few months ago and I love your devotional style!! You are really all about HIM! Thank you for the encouragement.
ReplyDeleteLaura,
ReplyDeleteThank you for writing. I'm so glad to know my blog has been an encouragment to you.
And congratulations on your writing success. I pray God will bless your efforts. He is so good to us. :-)
Bonnie