I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8, NIV

When someone prepares for a race, they go through grueling training so that they are able to compete. If they slack on their training, they may fail to finish the race. The last lap of the race is the hardest to complete because this is when they are the most tired. However, when the finish line is in sight, they usually get a second wind. Only a handful of people actually enjoy the pain of hard training. But everyone loves the victory!

The same is true of our faith. While on this earth, we are going to have to train hard. We are going to face obstacles that try to hinder our training or trip us up, making us think we are unable to finish the race. But if we stay faithful, we will finish the race. We may be tired, and we may not feel as if we can reach the finish line at times. But once we catch a glimpse of the finish line, our strength and energy will be replenished. The moment we stand before our God and see Him in all His glory, we will be glad we fought the good fight and did not give up when we felt we did not have the energy to go any further.

Let’s keep fighting the good fight. When we face temptation or our faith is tested, don’t give up. Our race may not be pretty but it does not matter as long as we finish. The best part about this race is that we all are winners when we cross over into Heaven. There is no better reward than to see our God in all His glory and hear the glorious words, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

If you are exhausted, take some time to refresh so you can continue the race. God has prepared you to finish the race. He is rooting for you and waiting at the finish line. You have this. You are strong! And if you feel as if you can’t go any further, lean on Jesus and He will carry you.

Dear God, thank you for accompanying us as we race to the finish line. Thank you for giving us the strength to keep going when we are exhausted or feel as if we have no more to give. Help us to keep fighting the good fight as we look forward to hearing those glorious words, “Well done good and faithful servant.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Copyright Laurie Dahle.

Laurie is a member and a physical therapist who works in a Missouri public school district. She also writes her own daily devotionals. If you are interested in receiving them, you may contact her at faithexercisediet@gmail.com.